Purchase several percussion instruments. Students do not typically buy these instruments due to their expense and music stores will not rent them. Timpani, bass drum, snare drum, xylophone, glockenspiel, vibraphone, wind chimes, and various small percussion items such as castanets and woodblocks are required.
Purchase some of the low brass instruments that are more expensive. Instruments like the tuba, euphonium and baritone saxophone are generally too expensive for most families to rent or purchase. The school typically provides these instruments.
Purchase the more expensive woodwind instruments. These instruments include the bass clarinet and the bassoon. Parents seem less inclined to rent or buy these instruments on their own.
Purchase a piano for the school's use. While this isn't typically used in a marching band, it can be useful for sectional rehearsals and will be needed when the time comes for the concert wind ensemble season.
Purchase some of the less expensive, more commonly used instruments with any money left over. Flutes, oboes, clarinets, trumpets, and trombones are useful instruments to have on hand. Purchasing these instruments will ensure that there is a well-stocked inventory for students to borrow from. Many parents will buy or rent these instruments, so it is not necessary to stock many of these.