Information for parents and students
Frequently asked questions
I used to have a huge list with questions and answers, but it's probably easier to have you just ask.
Required & recommended supplies
To bring us to success
We can only be as good as our equipment. All instruments should be from a reputable manufacturer and should be in good working condition. Please check with Mr. Gowman before making any instrument purchase or rental.
Woodwinds
1. Name tag on case
2. Swab (a new one each year, please)
3. Mouthpiece brush (clarinet & saxophone)
4. Polish cloth (flutes only)
5. Cork grease (when appropriate)
6. PadSaver/Stuff-It (the "Fuzzy Thing"... ask your musician)
7. Reeds: Reed players should purchase a complete box of reeds at the beginning of each school year; there should be at least three good reeds available to the student at all times. Recommended Reed Brands (from top to bottom by preference):
Mitchell Lurie (clarinet only)
VanDoren
LaVoz
Rico Royal
I strongly recommend upgrade mouthpieces for reed players; contact me for what mouthpiece is appropriate. These mouthpieces can be purchased at a discounted rate through the school.
Just like an automobile, a woodwind instrument will occasionally need a complete tune-up to tighten springs, replace pads, fix key alignment, etc. All woodwinds will occasionally need minor work, and this does not indicate mistreatment of the instrument.
All corks should be in good condition and the instrument should be able to be easily assembled.
Most method books and solo literature are provided on loan from the school.
Percussion
(JH listed here- see percussion ensemble page for HS percussion needs).
1. Sticks: All percussionists need to have two pair of Vic Firth 5A/5AN or 2B/2BN (N=nylon tip) sticks in good condition.
Please note that 5A or 2B sticks from another manufacturer may be a different size.
Student initials should be marked on the sticks with permanent marker.
2. Practice Pad
3. Practice bell kit for home is highly recommended.
Most other mallets and percussion accessories are provided by the school.
Most method books and solo literature are provided on loan from the school.
Brass
1. Name tag on case
2. Valve Oil (rotor oil for French horns and trombones w/triggers)
3. Slide Grease (Schilke is recommended)
4. Cleaning "snake", mouthpiece brush, valve brush
5. Trombones: Slide cream & spray bottle
Instruments should be free of all major dents, all slides should move freely and easily, and valves should move down and up very quickly.
The mouthpiece that comes with any brass instrument is typically not of an appropriate size or design for the student to be most successful. Mr. Gowman will make a recommendation if a different mouthpiece would be more appropriate.
Most method books and solo literature are provided on loan from the school.
Our mission
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Mr. Gowman's Biography
Just who is he, anyway?
Mark Gowman has been the 7-12 instrumental music instructor in the East Rochester School District since 2001...
About our lesson program
The teaching of small group and private music lessons is an essential part of a music curriculum.
Lessons are where students receive the individual instruction they need on their specific instrument or voice, and are extremely valuable to young musicians. They are also a mandatory part of their coursework...
How do I get an instrument?
There are several reputable music stores in the immediate area, including a couple that stop by the school weekly to deliver supplies and pick up or deliver repairs.
There are a lot of poor quality instruments currently flooding the market. Several families have purchased instruments which seemed like a good deal but quickly became unusable. Please consult with me before making any instrument purchases.
Are school instruments available for borrowing or do I need to get my own?
In most cases, the student provides the instrument, but a number of larger instruments are available for borrowing. We do have a very limited number of the smaller instruments, and these are often not available from the school.