CIC provides a wind instrument to every Band member. The use of these school-owned instruments is free, but parents remain financially responsible for the proper care of each instrument while it is assigned to their student.
The Band owns Armstrong, Buescher, Buffet, Gemeinhart, Jupiter, Selmer and Yamaha brand piccolo, flute, oboe, B flat clarinet and bass clarinet instruments as well as alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. For the Brass section, the Band provides Bach, Conn, Holton, Jupiter, King and Yamaha brand trumpets, French horns, trombones, euphoniums and tubas. The Band's percussion inventory includes Musser, LP, Pearl, Sabian, Toca, Zildjian, and vintage pieces. The Band program also owns a variety of keyboards and guitars.
All CIC-owned wind instruments are serviced by Reinvica Instrument Repair. CIC recommends Reinvica for maintenance of student-owned instruments, as well. For information on contacting Reinvica, please contact Mr. Stewart.
CIC Band Parents may consider purchasing an instrument for their music student. Instruments are expensive, and parents often ask whether they should make this investment. A student does not have to become a professional musician to deserve their own instrument, and there are levels of instrument quality and price to match the needs of every young musician. Owning a horn is recommended for any student who practices regularly and intends to continue playing through high school. Buying an instrument means that a Band student can choose (with their Band Director or private teacher's assistance) an instrument that works best for their own hands and embouchure. It also means that a student does not have to share their instrument with other students as instrument assignments change from year to year. The majority of parents who make the investment report that their students enjoy playing more, practice at home more, feel more comfortable while playing, and elect to continue in music longer.
It is very important that parents who are considering purchasing a wind instrument contact Mr. Stewart. There are many variables in selecting an instrument, and there are many unreliable brands of instruments which parents will want to avoid. Mr. Stewart can help parents and students find the right horn for the right price.
Reeds, staff paper and other small music supplies can be purchased from music stores around Caracas. For larger purchases such as instruments, however, it may be more cost effective to order from an overseas dealer. Several reputable online music dealers can be found on our Music Links Page.
Home | Contact Us | © Colegio Internacional de Caracas 1998-2008. All rights reserved.