Flash scene: Your kid, or you, come home from the last day of middle school. They are all exited about starting high school and high school band. Only one problem, They need a new horn, or two as was in my case. Do yourself a favor, Don't buy anything for Marching Band not made by the following companies/brands, in no particular order: Yamaha, Conn, Getzen, Bach, Maestro, or  King. Don't Buy a Holton, I bought a Holton TR602 and after 6 months the lacquer had worn mostly off and the bell was in a shambles. For Concert Band Don't buy anything but the following brands: Yamaha, Bach, King, Conn, Holton, Edwards if you have the cash. The difference in a good solid concert horn and a peashooter marching horn is like night and day. Anyone can play loud on a .500 bore, but you seperate the real players out when you let them dig a Bach Stradivarius .547 bore with a open wrap F-Attachment on it. And for you cheap parents who don't want to invest but have the scratch, Get a horn with a F-Attachment, Your kid will thank you if they know whats good for them.

Marching Candidate            Concert Canidate

One might ask why buy a different horn for Concert and marching season, And I am here to answer.........It's very simple, You don't want your irresponsible teenager slamming a $5000 trombone into their shoulder. It puts wear on the horn. For marching band, grab them a sturdy straight tenor, A Bach prelude can be had for $20.00. For concert Band they are going to want to play on something that gives a better sound and more projection.A Bach Stradivarius 36 or 42 or a Yamaha YSL640 or YSL400 are great choices.

If you have any questions or comments, please send the to me at: Typhoidmarypatrick@gmail.com