Music & Arts Rentals/Supplies
Music & Arts is the instrument rental company of choice for the Smith Middle School Band.
While we know that there are vendors locally and/or online to get an instrument for your student, we recommend our families rent through Music & Arts. We have worked closely with M&A for many years and have consistently received excellent service. Not only do they send an educational representative every week to Smith MS for repairs, supplies and support (the amazing Mr. Ford!), but they also provide high quality instruments and supplies at a competitive rate.
We have done the research so you don't have to!
Instruments That Require Rental & Supplies:
Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Percussion
School-Owned Instruments (Only Require Supplies):
Oboe
Bassoon
French Horn
Euphonium
Tuba
#1 Priority:
It is critical for students to have a high quality instrument in order to be successful and to enjoy the band experience. It is unrealistic to give your child the least expensive instrument or accessories you can find and then expect them to be successful playing it.
It is guaranteed your child will receive a high quality instrument if you rent through Music & Arts. We have worked directly with Mr. Ford and his team with making sure all Smith Band students receive the exact instrument make/model that will give your child the best experience possible.
Things to avoid:
Purchasing an instrument off of non-music online retailers (trust me... they break so fast and repair shops will NOT repair them)
Purchasing an instrument online without consulting Mr. Van Hooser (stephen.vanhooser@cfisd.net)
Especially if the instrument comes with white gloves! That's a huge red flag...
Purchasing off brand instruments or supplies (quality is more important than a cheaper price for band)
Purchasing instruments that are green, pink, purple, yellow, orange (etc.)
We call these ISO... "Instrument Shape Objects"
Did I mention not to purchase an instrument off of non-music online retailers?? No matter how great the "ratings" are, how easy it is to purchased in the app, or how quickly it could come to your door... :-) Instruments are investments, which is why we suggest renting through M&A using their rent-to-own plan.
What Does M&A Offer?
Music & Arts offers a Rent-To-Own plan. When your base rent payments meet the purchase price of your instrument (usually 3-4 years), you will own the instrument, and monthly payments will stop.
However, this is NOT a 3-4 year commitment; there is never any obligation to purchase an instrument, or even rent for more than a month. You may cancel your rental agreement at any time by bringing the instrument to any M&A location (do not leave it at Smith!).
Special incentives:
If you want to purchase the instrument: M&A offers a 30% discount for cash purchases
If you want to rent (our recommendation): M&A offers 30% off your remaining balance any time during the first 18 months of your rental (10% thereafter) should you decide to purchase rather than rent.
In other words, if your child ends up LOVING BAND after their first year and you know your child will continue in band, you have the option of paying the remaining balance with a 30% discount, thus concluding your monthly rental payments (and saving money long term!)
How Do I Purchase The Supplies And Start The Rental?
This is for French Horn, Euphonium, and Tuba
This is for Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, and Percussion (detailed instructions below)
It will take you directly to the rental page for Smith Band.
If the link above doesn't work, visit www.musicarts.com and follow the steps below:
Click "Rentals" in main menu
Click "Let's Go"
Click "Public, Private or Traditional School"
Choose your student's grade level for the 2023-2024 school year
Select School (Smith)
Choose "Fall Delivery"
$10 will cover your first month's rent, maintenance and tax. Your child's instrument will be delivered directly to Mr. Van Hooser at Smith before classes begin. Regular rent payments commence a month after school starts.
How Much Should I Expect To Pay?
Being in band costs money. It is definitely an investment, and we don't take that lightly. We have only added the absolute necessary items and nothing more.
It all depends on which instrument your child plays and what is required for supplies. The start-up cost can range from $100 to $200 for most instruments. Percussion is the most expensive as it requires the most supplies (over $300). The supplies will last their entire musical career, so this should only be a one time purchase.
Monthly rentals should be between $30 and $50/mo with saxophone being a bit more.
Again, being in band is an investment, but it's absolutely worth it for your child's experience. The band directors have spent an extensive amount of time researching prices and available brands/makes/models. We have worked very hard in making sure you get the most of your money.
If you find yourself unable to purchase supplies or rent an instrument due to financial hardships, please reach out to Mr. Van Hooser.