Woodwind Instruments - The Facts       Flute When to start: Tuition is available from years 4-5. Arm length and hand size is important . The shape of a pupil's lips can is of great importance. Some pupils find it very difficult, if not impossible to produce notes. Teachers will test for suitability.     Running costs Very little - ocassional maintenance and pad replacement   Hire costs: Flutes can be hired from HMS for £13 per month     Purchase Price: Flutes can be bought from HMS from £205 for a basic student instrument         General: There is a wide range of music available for this instrument. There are many performance opportunities to play in wind bands and orchestras         Oboe When to start: Tuition is available from years 4-5. Arm length and hand size is important   Running costs Reeds need replacing quite often, these cost approximately £8 each. Apart from that, occasional maintenance and pad replacement   Hire costs: Oboes are lent free by HMS for the first year of learning through The Endangered Species Scheme     Purchase Price: New Oboes start at about £700, contact HMS for a discounted price         General: This is a great instrument to play, you will always be in demand and there are some great parts to play in orchestras and wind bands.         Clarinet When to start: Tuition is available from years 4-5. Arm length and hand size is important   Running costs: Reeds need replacing quite often, these cost approximately £1 each. Apart from that, occasional maintenance and pad replacement   Hire costs: Clarinets can be hired from HMS for £15 per month     Purchase Price: Clarinets can be bought from HMS from £217 for a basic student instrument         General: There is a wide range of music available for this instrument. There are many performance opportunities to play in wind bands, jazz groups and orchestras         Saxophone When to start: Tuition is available from years 4-5. Hand size is important   Running costs Reeds need replacing quite often, these cost approximately £1.50 each. Apart from that, occasional maintenance and pad replacement   Hire costs: Alto Saxophones can be hired from HMS for £20 per month   Purchase Price Alto Saxophones can be bought from HMS from £275 for a basic student instrument         General: These instruments are very versatile, they give the student the opportunity to play in a wide array of ensembles such as wind bands, jazz groups and pop bands         Bassoon When to start: Tuition is available from year 6 onwards. Hand and arm size are contributory factors   Running costs Reeds need replacing quite often, these cost approximately £6 each. Apart from that, occasional maintenance and pad replacement   Hire costs: Bassoons are lent free by HMS for the first year of learning through The Endangered Species Scheme     Purchase Price: Bassoons can be bought from approximately £2000, contact HMS for a discounted price         General: Bassoonists are in very short supply, so there will be no shortage of opportunities to play in wind bands and orchestras.