Miss Instrument Rental Night? I Got You.

Did you miss Instrument Rental Night?
​Don't Worry, I Got you.

It's a busy startup.  If you couldn't make it, that's okay, there are backup plans.  But please don't delay, so that your students start playing at the same time everyone else does.

If your student needs a flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone or baritone, you need to contact Long & McQuade to rent such an instrument.

1. Call Long & McQuade at (403) 244-5555.
2. Ask for the Band Department
3. Tell them you want to rent an instrument, and have it sent to Notre Dame Collegiate with Mr. Windsor.

They will walk you through all the rest.

If you are in need of renting a baritone saxophone, bass clarinet or tuba, your student will need to meet with Mr. Windsor on Thursday at lunch.  That will be the last chance to rent from Notre Dame Collegiate this year.

Your student needs their instrument by Monday, September 9.  Please arrange for them to have an instrument by that date.

My student says they want to play in the stage band on a different instrument.  how does that work?

If your child already has a primary instrument assigned to them for Concert Band, they can have a different instrument rented to them for free from Notre Dame Collegiate.  We take a $50 deposit which you get back if the instrument doesn't need repairs.  The last chance to take advantage of this is on Thursday at lunch hour.
Example: David plays Tuba in Concert Band and has already rented it from NDC, but wants to play in the Stage Band. He works out with Mr. Windsor that Trombone is the best choice for him, so he rents a trombone from NDC for free, with the $50 deposit.​

How do I Pay my Rental FeeS?

Online.  Mr. Windsor and Mrs. Hartung are working to see your instrument rental costs posted on SchoolCashOnline, a system you have always been familiar with for school fees.  They should all be posted by Thursday morning September 5, at which point you can pay them online.
Please note: If your fees are not paid for by September 13, or an arrangement has not been made by calling (403) 652-2231, we will need to rescind your rental.  Please pay your fees in a timely fashion.

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what about drums, piano, guitars or steel pans?

Students who use NDC equipment without owning it (like the percussion equipment, piano, or amplifiers) pay a "Usage Fee" of $40.  Steel Panners pay a "Usage Fee" of $20 if they aren't already paying for other percussion or electronic equipment.  This usage fee goes towards the cost of maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

what about buying?  Can i do that?

Of course, but buyer beware.  If you are buying an instrument online that is less than $300 but says that it is "new", it's a sham, don't waste your money.  If you are buying an instrument from a warehouser like Canadian Tire, Walmart, or Costco, stop, don't waste your money.  If you want to buy used, Mr. Windsor recommends you seek advice from him first, so that you don't buy a lemon.  Mr. Windsor does have access to many instruments that are reasonably priced used instruments (mostly flutes, clarinets and trumpets) ranging from $50 to $250, so feel free to ask him about these options.

does my student need reeds or oil?

Well, your student will definitely need some supplies. You can buy your supplies online from Long & McQuade's website and you can usually get free shipping with their shipping allowance.  Alternatively, you can call the store (403) 244-5555 and buy by phone, asking them to deliver to NDC, but it may take up to 2 weeks to get here.

• Flutes need a polishing cloth.  That's usually it.
• Clarinets and saxophones need cleaning swabs.  You can usually get Clarinet kits from Long & McQuade.  Consider also getting a thumb rest and/or a toothguard.  It just makes life more comfortable.
• Clarinets and saxophones also need reeds.  Grade 7s first box of reeds should be "Rico 2.5 Strength" (the orange box).  Grade 8s will want the "Royal" reeds, and probably the same strength they played last year.  Grade 9s may want to take a half-step up in strength.  Seniors should seriously consider "Reserve" or "Van Doren" reeds, but if you're changing brands, don't change strength.
• All brass instruments will need oil based on the type of instrument they are (valve oil, slide oil or rotor oil), a cleaning brush or snake, and a polishing cloth.  Instrument Care Kits are also available through Long & McQuade.
• Percussionists should have their own drumsticks, medium-soft yarn mallets, timpani mallets and hard plastic mallets.  You may be able to get a deal on a "Mallet Bag" package from Long & McQuade.
• Strings players will need Rosin.

If you have any further questions ...

Please just ask.  Remember, I got you.