It is IMPERATIVE that all reed players have at least 3 good reeds. A "good" reed means: no chips or cracks, no mold, and sounds good when played. Reeds can be purchased through our local music stores (Marshall, Meyer, West MI Band), or through online retailers such as Amazon or Woodwind Brasswind. Much of a reed player's success depends on them having a good reed to play on. Your child will struggle mightily if they are trying to play on a reed that does not work!
6th Grade, 1st half of year:
Clarinets:
-Vandoren size 2 (blue box)
-D'Addario size 2.5
-Mitchell Laurie size 2.5 (gold box)
Saxophones:
-Vandoren, size 2 (blue box)
-Hemke, size 2.5 (silver box)
-D'Addario size 2.5 or 3
6th Grade, 2nd half of year, 7th Grade, and 8th Grade
Clarinets:
Vandoren, size 2.5 or 3
-Mitchell Laurie, size 3 or 3.5
-D'Addario size 3
Saxophones:
-Vandoren, size 2.5 or 3
-Hemke, size 3 or 3.5
-D'Addario size 3 or 3.5
The size of reed depends on how it sounds for each individual player. If the sound is thin and pinched, the reed is too soft and a higher strength of reed is needed. If the sound is fuzzy and it is difficult to blow air through the instrument, the reed is too hard and a lower strength of reed is needed.
Double Reeds:
If your child is playing oboe or bassoon, handmade reeds are best; however, if it is not possible to procure handmade reeds, I recommend Jones brand reeds (Meyer Music). A great online retailer for handmade reeds is Miller Marketing.
6th Grade, 1st half of year:
Clarinets:
-Vandoren size 2 (blue box)
-D'Addario size 2.5
-Mitchell Laurie size 2.5 (gold box)
Saxophones:
-Vandoren, size 2 (blue box)
-Hemke, size 2.5 (silver box)
-D'Addario size 2.5 or 3
6th Grade, 2nd half of year, 7th Grade, and 8th Grade
Clarinets:
Vandoren, size 2.5 or 3
-Mitchell Laurie, size 3 or 3.5
-D'Addario size 3
Saxophones:
-Vandoren, size 2.5 or 3
-Hemke, size 3 or 3.5
-D'Addario size 3 or 3.5
The size of reed depends on how it sounds for each individual player. If the sound is thin and pinched, the reed is too soft and a higher strength of reed is needed. If the sound is fuzzy and it is difficult to blow air through the instrument, the reed is too hard and a lower strength of reed is needed.
Double Reeds:
If your child is playing oboe or bassoon, handmade reeds are best; however, if it is not possible to procure handmade reeds, I recommend Jones brand reeds (Meyer Music). A great online retailer for handmade reeds is Miller Marketing.