Below highlights the importance of classroom behavior in creating a positive learning environment for all of our students. As with any class, our students play an important role in helping to create the kind of environment where they can thrive musically. To ensure we make the most of our time together, we have established the following Mandarins Classroom Expectations, which we ask all students to follow: Respect your Music Director, your instrument, and each other No talking or playing while the Music Director is talking Language must be school-appropriate No running or leaving your seat without permission Take time to use the restroom before and after class Bring everything you need to class, including your instrument, book, and pencil Instruments are assigned to each student and are their responsibility to maintain, including granting permission for other students to touch/play Instruments are not toys; do not swing them around, touch other people with them, or play at your neighbor If a student has an instrument, they are sitting down Instruments have two homes: in your hands, or in your case. Do not leave them on chairs or stands. Our goal is to maintain a respectful, safe, and focused classroom where every student can succeed. Students who are unable to comply with the expectations, even after warnings and interventions, may be subject to removal from the program. Please review these expectations with your child and encourage them to follow them to the best of their ability. We want all of our students to have a rewarding experience, and with your support, I am confident they will! Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Dear Band Parents, We hope this email finds you well. As we embark on another exciting year of music education, we would like to provide you with essential information on how to properly care for your child's musical instrument. These instruments are not only valuable investments but also essential tools for their musical journey. Here are some key points to ensure their instruments remain in excellent condition. Safe Storage: We've stressed to our students the importance of keeping their instruments either in their hands or in a protective case when not in use. This practice minimizes the risk of accidental damage. Please remind your child not to leave their instruments in extreme temperatures. Instruments should not be exposed to excessive heat or cold, and they should never be left in a car or outside. Drastic temperature changes can cause warping, cracking, or other forms of damage. Maintenance Woodwinds: Students in our woodwind sections are equipped with cleaning swabs, and they will be taught how to use them in class. Proper cleaning is vital for maintaining the quality and longevity of woodwind instruments. It is important to clean the inside of woodwind instruments regularly, as moisture and debris can accumulate over time. Neglecting this aspect can affect the instrument's tone and playability, as well as pose a health hazard when left too long. Brasswinds: Make sure that no spit or condensation is left on or in the instrument after each practice session.  Oil valves and lubricate slides regularly to prevent them from “freezing” in place. Bare brass sticks together when left unmoved for long periods of time. If a mouthpiece becomes stuck, the only proper tool to remove it is a mouthpiece puller. The MMA owns several and will remove the mouthpiece. Repairs: In the event of any damage to the instrument, please notify your band director immediately. We strongly advise against attempting to repair the instrument independently, as improper handling may worsen the issue. Please note that any damage beyond the normal wear and tear of the instrument is the responsibility of the parents. We encourage regular inspections to catch potential issues early, and it's wise to have a professional technician service the instrument periodically to keep it in top condition. We appreciate your commitment to your child's musical journey and your partnership in ensuring the instruments remain in great condition. By following these guidelines, you help create a conducive environment for your child's musical development. If you have any questions or concerns about instrument care, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our band program.

Dear Parents, I hope this letter finds you well. As your child embarks on their musical journey, I'd like to offer some advice on the most suitable instrument for their beginner experience: a used flute. While the idea of a shiny, brand-new instrument may be tempting, there are several compelling reasons to consider a pre-owned one. Why Opt for a Used Flute for Beginners: Durability and Learning Curve: At the beginner stage, students are still learning how to care for their instruments. Accidents can happen, and new learners may unintentionally damage their instruments. Choosing a used flute reduces the worry of potential damage to an expensive, brand-new instrument. This allows your child to focus on their musical growth without unnecessary concerns. Uncertainty of Commitment: While we hope your child's passion for music will thrive, some students may decide not to pursue it in the long run. In such cases, investing in a used instrument is a wise decision. You can find high-quality used beginner flutes from reputable makers, such as Yamaha, Jupiter, Pearl, Selmer/Bundy, and Gemeinhardt, typically priced between $150 and $300. This range provides affordability without compromising on instrument quality. Quality Assurance: While new, inexpensive instruments are available from big online retailers, their quality can be inconsistent. These instruments may not perform well or have a limited lifespan, which can be discouraging for beginners. On the other hand, used instruments from respected brands often maintain their quality and playability, ensuring a positive learning experience for your child. Some Recommended Beginner Flute Models: Yamaha YFL-221 Gemeinhardt 2SP or M2 Selmer USA/Bundy Model II Armstrong 104 Jupiter JFL-511 Where to Find Quality Used Flutes: Local Music Stores: I highly recommend exploring local music stores, with Music-Go-Round being an excellent option. These stores typically offer well-maintained, pre-owned instruments with the added benefit of professional guidance. If you prefer to make payments on an instrument, Kline Music has a rent-to-own program. Online Music Stores: Several online music stores specialize in used inventory. Websites like Reverb and Sam Ash can be excellent sources for finding quality used flutes. Music-Go-Round also has an online store. Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay and Craigslist sometimes feature good deals on used instruments. However, I recommend having your potential purchases evaluated to ensure their suitability for your child's needs. Keep in mind that online marketplaces make no guarantees on the state of repair of the instrument. By choosing a used flute, you are making a thoughtful investment in your child's musical journey. It offers durability, financial flexibility, and the assurance that they have a quality instrument to support their learning. I am here to assist you in finding the perfect used flute that matches your child's needs and goals. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like assistance in your search. Together, we can help your child cultivate a lifelong love of music.

Dear Parents, I hope this letter finds you well. As your child embarks on their musical journey, I'd like to offer some advice on the most suitable instrument for their beginner experience: a used clarinet. While the idea of a shiny, brand-new instrument may be tempting, there are several compelling reasons to consider a pre-owned one. Why Opt for a Used Clarinet for Beginners: Durability and Learning Curve: At the beginner stage, students are still learning how to care for their instruments. Accidents can happen, and new learners may unintentionally damage their instruments. Choosing a used clarinet reduces the worry of potential damage to an expensive, brand-new instrument. This allows your child to focus on their musical growth without unnecessary concerns. Uncertainty of Commitment: While we hope your child's passion for music will thrive, some students may decide not to pursue it in the long run. In such cases, investing in a used instrument is a wise decision. You can find high-quality used beginner clarinets from reputable makers, such as Buffet, Yamaha, Selmer/Bundy, Vito/Normandy/Leblanc, and Jupiter, typically priced between $150 and $300. This range provides affordability without compromising on instrument quality. Quality Assurance: While new, inexpensive instruments are available from big online retailers, their quality can be inconsistent. These instruments may not perform well or have a limited lifespan, which can be discouraging for beginners. On the other hand, used instruments from respected brands often maintain their quality and playability, ensuring a positive learning experience for your child. Some Recommended Beginner Clarinet Models: Yamaha YCL-250 Buffet Crampon B12 Bundy/Selmer CL301 Jupiter JCL-700N Where to Find Quality Used Clarinets: Local Music Stores: I highly recommend exploring local music stores, with Music-Go-Round being an excellent option. These stores typically offer well-maintained, pre-owned instruments with the added benefit of professional guidance. If you prefer to make payments on an instrument, Kline Music has a rent-to-own program. Online Music Stores: Several online music stores specialize in used inventory. Websites like Reverb and Sam Ash can be excellent sources for finding quality used clarinets. Music-Go-Round also has an online store. Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay and Craigslist sometimes feature good deals on used instruments. However, I recommend having your potential purchases evaluated to ensure their suitability for your child's needs. Keep in mind that online marketplaces make no guarantees on the state of repair of the instrument. By choosing a used clarinet, you are making a thoughtful investment in your child's musical journey. It offers durability, financial flexibility, and the assurance that they have a quality instrument to support their learning. I am here to assist you in finding the perfect used clarinet that matches your child's needs and goals. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like assistance in your search. Together, we can help your child cultivate a lifelong love of music.

Dear Parents, I hope this letter finds you well. As your child embarks on their musical journey, I'd like to offer some advice on the most suitable instrument for their beginner experience: a used saxophone. While the idea of a shiny, brand-new instrument may be tempting, there are several compelling reasons to consider a pre-owned one. Why Opt for a Used Saxophone for Beginners: Durability and Learning Curve: At the beginner stage, students are still learning how to care for their instruments. Accidents can happen, and new learners may unintentionally damage their instruments. Choosing a used saxophone reduces the worry of potential damage to an expensive, brand-new instrument. This allows your child to focus on their musical growth without unnecessary concerns. Uncertainty of Commitment: While we hope your child's passion for music will thrive, some students may decide not to pursue it in the long run. In such cases, investing in a used instrument is a wise decision. You can find high-quality used beginner saxophones from reputable makers like Conn, Selmer, Yamaha, Jupiter, and King, typically priced between $250 and $500. This range provides affordability without compromising on instrument quality. Quality Assurance: While new, inexpensive instruments are available from big online retailers, their quality can be inconsistent. These instruments may not perform well or have a limited lifespan, which can be discouraging for beginners. On the other hand, used instruments from respected brands often maintain their quality and playability, ensuring a positive learning experience for your child. Some Recommended Beginner Saxophone Models: Yamaha YAS-23 Bundy II Vito Jupiter JAS500 Where to Find Quality Used Saxophones: Local Music Stores: I highly recommend exploring local music stores, with Music-Go-Round being an excellent option. These stores typically offer well-maintained, pre-owned instruments with the added benefit of professional guidance. If you prefer to make payments on an instrument, Kline Music has a rent-to-own program. Online Music Stores: Several online music stores specialize in used inventory. Websites like Reverb and Sam Ash can be excellent sources for finding quality used saxophones. Music-Go-Round also has an online store. Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay and Craigslist sometimes feature good deals on used instruments. However, I recommend having your potential purchases evaluated to ensure their suitability for your child's needs. Keep in mind that online marketplaces make no guarantees on the state of repair of the instrument. By choosing a used saxophone, you are making a thoughtful investment in your child's musical journey. It offers durability, financial flexibility, and the assurance that they have a quality instrument to support their learning. I am here to assist you in finding the perfect used saxophone that matches your child's needs and goals. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like assistance in your search. Together, we can help your child cultivate a lifelong love of music.

Dear Parents, I hope this letter finds you well. As your child embarks on their musical journey, I'd like to offer some advice on the most suitable instrument for their beginner experience: a used trumpet. While the idea of a shiny, brand-new instrument may be tempting, there are several compelling reasons to consider a pre-owned one. Why Opt for a Used Trumpet for Beginners: Durability and Learning Curve: At the beginner stage, students are still learning how to care for their instruments. Accidents can happen, and new learners may unintentionally damage their instruments. Choosing a used trumpet reduces the worry of potential damage to an expensive, brand-new instrument. This allows your child to focus on their musical growth without unnecessary concerns. Uncertainty of Commitment: While we hope your child's passion for music will thrive, some students may decide not to pursue it in the long run. In such cases, investing in a used instrument is a wise decision. You can find high-quality used beginner trumpets from reputable makers, such as Yamaha, Bach, Conn, King, Holton, and Jupiter, typically priced between $150 and $300. This range provides affordability without compromising on instrument quality. Quality Assurance: While new, inexpensive instruments are available from big online retailers, their quality can be inconsistent. These instruments may not perform well or have a limited lifespan, which can be discouraging for beginners. On the other hand, used instruments from respected brands often maintain their quality and playability, ensuring a positive learning experience for your child. Some Recommended Beginner Trumpet Models: Conn-Selmer Prelude (TR711) Bundy  Bach TR300 Jupiter JTR-600 or 700 Yamaha YTR200 Where to Find Quality Used Trumpets: Local Music Stores: I highly recommend exploring local music stores, with Music-Go-Round being an excellent option. These stores typically offer well-maintained, pre-owned instruments with the added benefit of professional guidance. If you prefer to make payments on an instrument, Kline Music has a rent-to-own program. Online Music Stores: Several online music stores specialize in used inventory. Websites like Reverb and Sam Ash can be excellent sources for finding quality used trumpets. Music-Go-Round also has an online store. Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay and Craigslist sometimes feature good deals on used instruments. However, I recommend having your potential purchases evaluated to ensure their suitability for your child's needs. Keep in mind that online marketplaces make no guarantees on the state of repair of the instrument. By choosing a used trumpet, you are making a thoughtful investment in your child's musical journey. It offers durability, financial flexibility, and the assurance that they have a quality instrument to support their learning. I am here to assist you in finding the perfect used trumpet that matches your child's needs and goals. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like assistance in your search. Together, we can help your child cultivate a lifelong love of music.

The Mandarins Music Academy currently provides: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. If you are interested in a band instrument we don't provide, such as alto saxophone, please let us know. We’re happy to support families in finding an instrument to buy or rent for the program.  ​We know how important it is for students to feel excited and confident about the instrument they choose to play. While there are many guides to help with this decision, most agree that the sound, size, and look of the instrument play a big role. To help with the decision, we’ve included two videos: Choosing a Band Instrument Instrument Demonstration for Beginning Band We aim to match each student with their top choice whenever possible, while balancing instrument availability and the overall needs of the band. Please note that beginning percussion students will start on bells with the chance to progress to snare drum and other percussion instruments.