It's getting close to Christmas, and you're stumped for stocking stuffers. You want to get something to help motivate your child musician, but how do you know what to get? Scan through the shopping lists below for ideas. If you're completely baffled, you can always drop a note to your child's private teacher or band director. Merry Christmas, and don't forget that aunts and uncles and grandparents love private performances!!
Flute: a new, brightly-colored swab (see ** below); a silver/nickel polishing cloth; a package of gummy pencil grips; a spiffy new flute case (ProTec and Gator are very reasonably priced); music-themed pencils; CDs of professional flautists; tickets to a concert; a portable music stand; a fun music book to play
Oboe: a few fresh reeds; a new swab; a silver/nickel polishing cloth; a package of gummy pencil grips; a reed box; a spiffy new oboe case (ProTec and Gator are very reasonably priced); music-themed pencils; CDs of professional oboists; tickets to a concert; a portable music stand; a fun music book to play
Clarinet: a fresh box of reeds; a new, brightly-colored swab (see ** below); a silver/nickel polishing cloth; a package of gummy pencil grips; a reed box or reed guard; an upgraded ligature (I like the Bonade, the Gigliotti, and my favorite, the Vandoren Optimum); a tube of good quality cork grease; mouthpiece cushions; a spiffy new clarinet case (ProTec and Gator are very reasonably priced); music-themed pencils; CDs of professional clarinetists; tickets to a concert; a portable music stand; a fun music book to play
Saxophone: a fresh box of reeds; a new, brightly-colored swab (see ** below); a lacquer polishing cloth; a new neck strap (I recommend Neotech - they are very comfortable, sturdy, affordable, and come in different colors); a reed box or reed guard; a mouthpiece pouch; an upgraded ligature (I like the Bonade, the Gigliotti, and my favorite, the Vandoren Optimum); mouthpiece cushions; a spiffy new saxophone case (ProTec and Gator are very reasonably priced); music-themed pencils; CDs of professional saxophonists; tickets to a concert; a portable music stand; a fun music book to play
Bassoon: a few fresh reeds; a new swab; a silver/nickel polishing cloth; a new seat strap; a harness for standing and playing (I recommend Neotech - they are very comfortable, sturdy, affordable, and come in different colors); a reed box; music-themed pencils; CDs of professional bassoonists; tickets to a concert; a portable music stand; a fun music book to play
** Fabric stores are stocked with colors and prints to suit any taste. If you sew, hem a 6- or 7-inch square of lightweight cotton and stitch an 18-inch length of cord or twill tape into one corner. Weigh down the string with a few pony beads, and ta-da! A custom made swab in whatever color or pattern you want. (For oboe and bassoon, stick with with store-bought unless you are an experienced sewer. Use silk, and use a store-bought set of swabs as a template.)
