I'd like to have the opinion of Beginning and Jr. Hi directors concerning the "bell kits" that are available. As a beginning band teacher AND a percussionist, I have found that many of my students do not like the bells but are more than willing to play xylophone or marimba. Of course, the xylo. and marimba are pretty much out of the price range of most beginning band percussionist. I am currently corresponding with several companies about manufacturing a smaller, more affordable xylo. that could possibly be included in the practice pad/snare kit (just like the bells). The range of the instrument would be 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 octaves - most beginning band books don't use 2 1/2 octaves of notes but that would be enough for the students to see the relationship of the naturals to the accidentals.

First, I'd like to know if any other directors have had a similar experience and second, is this something that you guys would be interested in having available - at roughly the same price as the bell kit? They say that "necessity is the mother of invention" but this is more about the kids than making money for me. I just want to see better percussionist (and fewer drummers!)

Any feedback would be deeply appreciated.

Sid Brown