Your son or daughter is starting in the school band program and you are to be congratulated for
encouraging such time honored pursuits. There are many questions you need answered to start the
program and one of the most important is this, "What kind of instrument should my child play?".
There are a number of important factors to consider and we want to point some of them out to you.

First, Lynch Music represents the world leaders in the band instrument business. Dollar for dollar your
best value is to buy from an established company with a history of providing excellent products and
service. Not only will the instrument last much longer, but it will be more easily repaired if that becomes
necessary. Replacement parts are manufactured and available throughout the many years of life you
can expect from these instruments. Established companies have a long history of commitment to
excellence in making their product. The ability of an instrument to play true and "in tune" pitches is
due to the quality the maker puts into it. It is not unusual to see inexpensive instruments that simply
cannot play correctly. While these instruments cost less than the name brands, they are not "cheap"
and they can prove to be a costly mistake, particularly after repair bills are included in the cost.
While Lynch Music carries these inexpensive imports, we do not rent them. The reason is that they
won't last the duration of the rental program. If you want to buy an inexpensive horn, we can compete
with what you will find at the large general retail outlets. We just counsel against such a choice.

Musical instruments are not toys. Your school's music program teaches students to play real music.
This requires that they have instruments that will meet the performance demands of the music director.
Band instrument manufacture requires skill and art that craftsmen spend their lifetime developing.
These instruments are sophisticated tools. Don't short change yourself or your young musician by
purchasing an inexpensive one that won't work as needed.

Another consideration of some weight is the music dealer from whom you purchase. Lease/purchase
contracts make these instruments affordable and easy to acquire. Find a reputable dealer that will take
time to answer your questions and is involved with your school music program. This involvement by
the dealer is your assurance that the dealer is committed to you, your student, and the overall quality
of the school program. Ask friends who have rented in the past and find what their experiences have
been. Your first band instrument is a large investment and you won't get a second chance. Most
importantly, be aware that price is not the most important factor in choosing your instrument.