Instrument Loan / Rental / Purchase

Starting in 5th grade, all students are required to join a performing ensemble. We offer various ensembles through grades 5-12, including band, orchestra, and choir. However, due to limited resources, we cannot provide instruments for every student.

If a specific instrument is not available through the district, families have the option to rent or purchase one. Alternatively, students may choose an available loaner instrument or join the choir, which does not require an instrument. Regardless of these choices, every student has the opportunity to participate in a performing ensemble.

For families needing information on renting or purchasing instruments, please explore the details provided on this page.

Instrument Loan Procedure

Instruments that are available for loan in the Lammersville Unified School District are provided first for students who are designated as foster youth, homeless youth, and students who officially designate as low-income through the federal free-and-reduced lunch program. Once these students are provided the opportunity to borrow an instrument, continuing students in the program who have borrowed in the past will be given priority, after which all other students will be given an opporutnity to borrow an instrument by lottery. If your student has been identified as a student who will receive a loaner instrument, you will be contacted before music classes start at the beginning of the year to notify you that a loaner is available for your child. If your child is not provided with a loaner, you will receive further information about other instruments available for loan, and/or information about how to rent or purchase an instrument.

Instrument Rental Procedure

Families looking to rent an instrument have several excellent choices available. Lammersville Unified School District has partnered with two reputable online vendors offering affordable rental programs. These vendors provide fast, direct shipping and often include the convenience of a rent-to-own option. They already have our preferred instrument specifications on file, ensuring a seamless and straightforward rental experience.

For those who prefer to support local businesses, there are also quality local rental options available. When choosing a local rental company, we recommend selecting instruments from trusted brands such as Jupiter, Yamaha, Selmer, Bach, Gemeinhardt, King, Conn, Armstrong, and Buffet.

The rental companies we work with, both online and locally, handle all the details, making the process easy and hassle-free. We encourage you to visit the websites of our partnered vendors or explore local options to find the best instrument rental for your needs.

Online Rental Company Options:

Instrument Purchase Options

When considering purchasing a musical instrument, whether locally or online, it's essential to make an informed decision to ensure you get a quality product. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Be Wary of Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices: If an instrument's price seems unusually low, it probably reflects the quality. Many instruments advertised at bargain prices may appear promising but are often subpar knockoffs that fail to deliver good sound and durability.
Trusted Brands for Young Musicians: If you're buying an instrument for your child, we recommend sticking to reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Some trusted names include Jupiter, Yamaha, Selmer, Bach, Gemeinhardt, King, Conn, Armstrong, Ludwig, and Buffet. Before considering any other brand, consult with your child's music teacher to ensure it's a suitable choice.
Avoid Big Box Stores and Unreliable Online Retailers: While it might be tempting to buy from stores like Walmart, Costco, or online platforms like Amazon and Temu due to their convenience and often lower prices, these sources frequently offer instruments that are poorly made. Such instruments are often out of tune, prone to breaking, and generally not durable enough to support a student's learning journey.
Consider Reputable Vendors: Purchasing from recognized online rental companies or local music stores is a smart move. These vendors typically provide instruments of higher quality and are more reliable. Local music stores, in particular, often offer personalized service and can help you find an instrument that suits a beginner's needs and fosters their musical development.

By following these guidelines, you'll ensure that you invest in an instrument that will not only last but also enhance the musical experience for your young musician.