The Best Gifts to Celebrate Graduating High School and College Brass Musicians (Updated for 2025) - Houghton Horns

The Best Gifts to Celebrate Graduating High School and College Brass Musicians (Updated for 2025)

Woohoo! They did it! Your student has persevered through years of essays and standardized testing to snag that priceless diploma. Here are some suggestions for colorful and practical gifts that show your pride in their remarkable achievements.

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Gifts Under $50

 

Alessi ExcerptUp ($20)

As musicians we must be able to play ALL the orchestral excerpts, but some we don’t practice nearly enough. The ExcerptUp brings some fun and play to the daily practice grind. [Link]

 

 

 

 

Band Is Horrible Card Game ($39.99)

"Band is life, and sometimes that sucks. Let’s play cards." Your graduate and their friends will get hours of laughs out of this relatable and witty game. [Link]

 

 

 

 

Brass Instrument Earrings ($24.95)

These earrings are hand-made by horn player Katie Evans! You can choose French horn, trumpet, or trombone, and she is happy to build you a pair in the colors of your choice. [Link]


 

 

 

Brass Witch Magnetic Pencil Holder ($35.00)

This product is the first of its kind made for all types of brass instruments, allowing you to remove and attach a pencil quickly. The innovative design won’t scratch or mark up the instrument like the other hard plastic options. [Link]

 

 

 

Brasstache ($8.99)

I mean, who doesn't need a plastic mustache that attaches to their leadpipe? Great for themed shows, cosplay, or just goofing around, the Brasstache reminds hardworking musicians not to take themselves too seriously. [Link]

 

 

 

French Horn Kazoo ($24.95)

Yup, it's a kazoo in the shape of a French horn. [Link]

 

 

 

Marcus Bonna Mute Bag (From $29.95)

Show off your style with this colorful nylon mute bag!

 


Robinson's Remedies (From $5.99)

A leading irritation for brass musicians is sore, cracked lips. Give your graduate the gift of comfort with these all-natural lip balms formulated specifically for musicians. [Link]

 

 

 

Styl Witch Magnetic Pencil and Stylus ($44.99)

Simply twist the tip of the Styl Witch to change from a mechanical pencil tip to the stylus tip. [Link]

 

 

 

The Spit Catcher (From $10.95)

Your student will tell you that stuff leaking out of their instrument is just water, but I hate to break it to you - they're lying. Keep that gross stuff off the carpet with a Spit Catcher. [Link]

 

 

 

Verus Horn Strap ($35.95)

The Verus Horn Strap is designed to relieve left-hand tension, keep the left fingers properly aligned with the valves, and reduce pinky strain. It fits every French horn on the market and is a great accessory for any level of horn player, especially off-the-leg players. [Link]

 

 

 

 

Verus Universal Hand Guard for French Horn ($35.95)

Each Verus hand guard is hand-made by our repair technician Chris Wright out of genuine Italian leather. [Link]

 

 

 

Houghton Horns e-Gift Cards (From $15.00)

Give your student the gift of choice with a merchandise gift card, so they can pick out the colors, sizes, and styles that suit them best. Or cover their next annual cleaning with a repair gift card, so their beloved instrument plays as smooth as silk.

 

 

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Gifts Under $300

 

 

Marcus Bonna Clamp-On Music Stand Mute Holder ($59.95)

Ah, the age-old question: Where the heck am I supposed to put this mute?! This mute holder attachment for a sheet music stand was developed to help the musicians during a concert by holding the mute at an accessible angle that does not get in the way of their sheet music. [Link]

 

 

 

Rath Hand Support for Trombone ($149.95)

The Michael Rath hand support system is a very simple yet very effective way of reducing, and in many cases eliminating, physical tension in the hand, arm and shoulder while holding and playing the trombone. [Link]

 

 

 

 

Stomvi UpMute (From $99.00)

The UpMute is a great practice mute that allows you to “feel” when you’re using too much effort. The idea is to play your instrument with the UpMute and use the least amount of effort to produce the tone. In other words, be extremely relaxed and don’t use too much air. Then remove the mute and play your instrument with the same amount of effort and you will be amazed at how much easier it is to play and how full and resonant your sound is. Choose between:

 

 

 

Stomvi UpSound ($129.95)

The UpSound is a warm-up and practice device for use with brass instrument mouthpieces. It's great for practicing or warming up in situations where using the instrument is impractical, working on ear training and pitch control, and focusing on embouchure and breath control. [Link]

 

 

 

Verus JSV Signature Tenor Trombone Mouthpiece ($225)

The result of a collaboration with renowned artist John Sebastian Vera, Principal Trombone of the Pittsburgh Opera and River City Brass Band, professor at Duquesne University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, and founder of the Trombone Retreat. [Link]

 

 

 

Yamaha Silent Brass (From $265.99)

For that horn player on the road who needs to get in their practice without disturbing the people around them. Once the player puts in the headphones, the Brass Resonance Modeling system will make it sound to them as if they aren't using a mute at all, even though the noise their instrument is producing is greatly reduced. Choose between:

 

 

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Splurges

 

 

Marcus Bonna Square Backpack Bag with Room for Horn (From $549.95)

An expandable backpack that also functions as a horn case, with a plethora of pockets and storage options! Our best-selling case. [Link]

 

 

 

Marcus Bonna MB-SD Case for French Horn (From $549.95)

Our staff's top pick for light and easy travel. The bell section of the case unzips from the body, so it fits easily under your seat on an airplane. [Link]

 

 

 

Marcus Bonna Tenor Trombone Compact Case (From $689.95)

This case is lightweight and travel-friendly, plus it provides that famed Marcus Bonna safety and protection. [Link]

 

 

 

Marcus Bonna Compact Case for Two Piston Trumpets (From $444.95)

This model fits 2 piston trumpets tuned in Bb, C, D, Eb, F (or a piccolo or a cornet). A compartment inside and the front bag provide space for accessories. [Link]

 

 

 

Wiseman Wooden Cases (From $950.00)

These elegant and distinguished cases are CRAZY protective - check out this video of them being dropped down stairs and thrown into ponds. [Link]

 

 

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Note: We recommend against buying anything labeled "Pre-Order", "Backorder", or "Out of Stock" before confirming with us that we will be able to ship you your product before graduation.

Need personalized advice? Contact us at 817-993-6400 ex. 1 or sales@houghtonhorns.com and we’ll be happy to offer individualized suggestions.

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