Time to Replace the Toys?

Most band directors know how to spend their annual budgets (and then some…)!

However, this time of year districts are looking at last-minute purchases to use leftover instructional funds before the end of the fiscal year. This is a great time to put together a wish list and send it to your admin.

Throughout the year you’ve used the bulk of your funds on sheet music, instrument repairs, maintenance, and instrument replacement. Take a few minutes to think about the percussion section and replacing or supplementing the supply of percussion “toys.”

$200 to $300 can add a lot to your percussion cabinet!

Here are a few cool (but affordable) percussion items I found on Amazon:

4-Pack of Ocean Drums - $29

https://amzn.to/3TZHpEK

This 4-pack of OCean Drums comes with a 6-Inch, 8-Inch, 10-Inch, and a 12-Inch drum. For $29 bucks this is a great deal to restock the percussion cabinet.

Meinl Percussion StudioMix Shaker - $16

https://amzn.to/3K2bOxJ

This 10-inch shaker is a great addition to the percussion cabinet. Clean, crisp sound at home in the wind ensemble, jazz ensemble or percussion ensemble. Great value at $16!

Agogo Bell - $19

https://amzn.to/40RWdrr

If you’re like most band directors, it’s been a while since you’ve replaced these (...and it shows). This is an affordable two-tone Agogo Bell at $19!

LP White Wood Clave - $10

https://amzn.to/3KpBWnC

This is a classic wood pair of 8.5” claves. This design gives the classic sound you're looking for in authentic latin percussion.

PylePro Wooden Percussion Box - $100

https://amzn.to/3U2L6K2

The Percussion Box is starting to pop in contemporary wind band repertoire. Not only is it necessary for some rep, it’s a great instrument to have for percussion ensemble and jazz combos/jam sessions.

Heritage Musical Spoons - $45

https://amzn.to/3nI5Yde

This is another great percussion toy to add to the cabinet. The spoons are a part of American Folk music and have been incorporated by some composers.