Follow up thread about band instrument

[xmas74]

I posted this thread a month ago about how I felt that my child's school was attempting to force the parents to rent instruments through a music store.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=9674043

So, I purchased an instrument for her today. It's an Olds Ambassador cornet, which most consider to be a good student instrument. I paid a total of $125 for the instrument which included the instrument, case, mouthpiece, valve oil, slide grease, and a marching music holder. I purchased it at a local pawn shop which employs a college student majoring in music education. I originally looked at a more expensive model until he informed me of a model they had just brought in that was in the back of the shop. I played it, he played with it, it's in decent shape except for a couple of smallish scratches and spots of lacquer wearing off, mostly around the mouthpiece and the valves.

Now I have to bring it in to the school, where they will "evaluate" it and decide if I can use it or if I have to rent. I wonder if they'll pass it or not.

[Kat45]

1. I remember that thread.

I hope it passes their "inspection."

[xmas74]

4. If it doesn't

she'll still show up to the first day of band with the same instrument and I'll show up to the next school board meeting.

I don't back down, no matter how much they'd wish I would.

[WCGreen]

2. I worked with a music shop for a while and I know that these

band directors get kick backs from national music outfits that are trying to undercut the local music stores.

It ain't guitar center that's killing the local music stores it's the national band instrument outfits that are cutting them out of the school systems.

[xmas74]

5. It's a chain that is involved in the rentals.

We have two local shops and neither are getting business from any of the local schools.

[WCGreen]

7. Well, that makes sense...

The kick backs are there...

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. Good luck!

[xmas74]

6. Thanks!

I played the cornet-played like a dream. The sound was better than the newer trumpets they want them to rent. The new ones sound tinny.

[hayu_lol]

8. Olds has long been a reputable manufacturer...you probably can't go...

wrong with this instrument. There is a difference in sound quality(tone)between the cornet and a trumpet...you may get some flack from the school about that difference. Matter of fact, band music used to be written for a combination section of cornets and trumpets...3 cornet parts and 2 trumpet parts to a section. Turn of the century, the cornet was king but this shifted starting in about the mid-30s when a more penetrating sound was found desirable. The cornet sound is somewhat softer than that of the trumpet. If you compare the two instruments, you find that the trumpet is the same bore from leadpipe to the start of the bellpipe...a straight bore. The cornet is a conical bore(softer tone)like the Horn...constantly increasing in diameter from leadpipe to bellpipe.

All brass instruments(US)changed dramatically in about 1950 when American manufacturers began to dominate the world market. Up to that time, most pro-players sought European instruments.

One of the greatest trumpet virtuosos of the 20th century, Rafael Mendez, played a Recording Olds as his instrument of choice...3 valves and two slide triggers. Many of his recordings are still available...you might look some up for inspiration.

Good luck with your choice.

[xmas74]

11. I played the trumpet when I was in school.

I started on an Olds (school rental) and have always liked their cornet. When I was older I moved into a trumpet that I purchased with my babysitting money.

The plan is to start her on the cornet and if she shows promise to move her to a decent trumpet by the time she enters high school. Kids can be fickle and there is no reason to get something expensive when I don't know if she'll stick with it. If she sticks with it then we'll talk about something nicer.

Besides, even if I had the money I still wouldn't buy the Yamaha they want them to play. I've never liked Yamaha-always thought it sounded tinny.

[geardaddy]

9. Good luck xmas

I remember you posting about that here before.

[xmas74]

12. thank you.

We should be ok.

[kentauros]

10. Play it for the School Board.

Maybe that will help convince them :D

[xmas74]

13. haha.

:D