6 Best Instrument Stands For Clarinets That Band Directors Recommend

That brand-new clarinet case comes home from school and pops open. The next thing you know, the instrument is lying precariously on the arm of the sofa, balanced on a music book, or worse, left on the floor. A good instrument stand isn’t just another accessory to buy; it’s a foundational tool for building responsibility and protecting the investment you’ve made in your child’s musical education. It creates a safe, designated "home" for the instrument, making it easier for your child to pick it up and practice.

Choosing the Right Stand for Your Clarinetist

When your 5th grader first joins the band, their world is a whirlwind of new things to remember. Their primary need is a stand that is simple and, above all, stable. You want something that can withstand an accidental bump from a sibling or the family dog without sending the clarinet crashing to the floor. This is about building the habit of using a stand in a low-risk way.

As your musician grows, their needs change. A middle schooler juggling a heavy backpack, their instrument, and maybe a sports bag needs portability. A stand that can be tucked away inside the instrument itself becomes a lifesaver. For the dedicated high school student, durability and instrument protection become paramount. You’re no longer just preventing accidents; you’re preserving an instrument that has become a key part of their identity. The goal is to match the stand to your child’s current level of responsibility and logistical reality.

K&M 15228: The Classic In-Bell Clarinet Stand

If you ask a group of middle or high school band directors for a recommendation, this is the stand you’ll hear about most often. The K&M 15228 is the quintessential in-bell stand. Its clever design allows the legs to fold up and store neatly inside the bell of the clarinet, meaning your child will never forget to bring it to rehearsal.

This design is brilliant for developing musicians. It teaches them that their stand is a non-negotiable part of their equipment, just like their reeds or mouthpiece. The five-leg base provides excellent stability for such a compact unit, giving you peace of mind during chaotic band room setups. It’s a fantastic first "real" stand for a student who has proven they’re sticking with the instrument beyond the first year.

Hercules DS440B TravLite for Portability

Is your child’s schedule a masterclass in logistics? Running from school to a lesson, then to another activity, with the clarinet in tow? The Hercules TravLite is designed for exactly this scenario. It folds down into an incredibly compact and flat shape, easily fitting into a backpack pocket or the side pouch of an instrument case.

The key benefit here is pure, unadulterated convenience. For the student who is always on the move, a stand that adds virtually no weight or bulk is a huge win. This encourages them to actually bring it and use it. While incredibly portable, its lightweight design means it’s best suited for students who are already a bit more spatially aware and careful with their instrument—think responsible middle and high schoolers.

K&M 15222: A Sturdy Stand for Home Practice

Think of this stand as the "home base" for your clarinetist’s instrument. The K&M 15222 is not designed to travel. Its wide, heavy, cast-iron base and fixed-leg design prioritize one thing above all else: rock-solid stability. It’s the perfect solution for creating a dedicated practice station in your child’s room or a corner of the living room.

For a younger player, especially in a busy household, this stand is a game-changer. It provides a safe and visible place for the instrument to rest during practice breaks, minimizing the risk of it being knocked off a desk or chair. By giving the clarinet a permanent, safe spot, you reinforce the routine of daily practice and signal that this musical endeavor is an important part of your family’s life. This is an investment in habit-building.

Peak ST-15: A Reliable and Affordable Option

Let’s be practical. When your child is just starting out, you want to be supportive without breaking the bank on an activity they might change their mind about next year. The Peak ST-15 is a widely respected option that delivers reliability and stability at a very accessible price point. It’s a smart, sensible choice for the beginning or intermediate player.

This stand features a sturdy tripod base that provides a confident footprint, and it folds down compactly for transport. It doesn’t store inside the bell like some other models, but it fits easily into a backpack. For families navigating the early years of band, the Peak stand hits that perfect sweet spot between quality and budget, ensuring your child has a safe place for their instrument without requiring a major financial commitment.

BG A41: The Lightweight Choice for Gig Bags

For the student who is hyper-aware of every ounce in their instrument case, the BG A41 stand is an excellent choice. It is astonishingly lightweight and compact, designed with the traveling musician in mind. This is a favorite among students in marching band or those who frequently travel for honor bands and auditions, where minimizing gear is essential.

Made from a durable composite material, it offers a secure perch for the clarinet without adding noticeable weight to a gig bag. The trade-off for its feather-light design is that it requires a more deliberate and careful placement of the instrument. It’s an ideal choice for a mature, responsible high schooler who understands the importance of being gentle with their equipment and values portability above all else.

Blayman Stand: A Pro-Level Long-Term Choice

You’ll see the Blayman stand on professional concert stages, in university practice rooms, and in the hands of the most serious young musicians. This is not a beginner’s stand; it is an investment in a student’s long-term musical future. Its unique design features a single, felt-lined peg that supports the clarinet from inside the bore, preventing any stress on the keys or body.

When do you consider a stand like this? When your high schooler is auditioning for college music programs, playing in advanced regional orchestras, or has invested in a professional-level wooden instrument. Purchasing a Blayman is a powerful statement of support for their dedication. It’s a piece of professional equipment that will protect their valuable instrument and last a lifetime.

Key Features for Your Young Musician’s Stand

Making the right choice comes down to matching the features to your child’s developmental stage and current needs. Don’t get caught up in finding the "best" overall; find the best for your child right now.

• For the Beginner (Ages 9-11): Stability is everything. Look for a wide, heavy base. A stand that lives at home, like the K&M 15222, is often the best choice to build good habits in a safe environment.
• For the Intermediate Player (Ages 12-14): Balance portability and stability. This is the perfect age for an in-bell stand like the K&M 15228. It’s stable enough for the band room and portable enough that they’ll actually take it with them.
• For the Advanced Student (Ages 15+): Durability and instrument care are key. Their instrument is now a significant investment. A high-quality, durable stand like a Blayman or a specialized model from Hercules or K&M shows a commitment to protecting that investment.

Regardless of the model, ensure the parts that touch the clarinet are covered in soft felt or rubber to prevent scratches. This small detail makes a big difference in preserving the instrument’s finish over years of use.

Ultimately, buying a clarinet stand is a small but meaningful way to support your child’s musical journey. It removes a simple frustration—"Where do I put this thing?"—and replaces it with a tool that fosters independence and respect for their instrument. The right stand makes practice easier to start and safer to stop, which is a win for everyone.