How big can my musical instrument be to be able to take it on a Du Quoin school bus?

Du Quoin Community Unit District 300 schools have downsized the number of student bus routes from 11 to nine and, because of that, more kids are riding some buses and on those buses there isn't enough room for large musical instruments or completed school projects.

How big can the instruments be? We know they can't be a large drum or a sousaphone or even an alto saxophone. The rule of thumb is no larger than a clarinet. Parents who take their children to school and pick them up can transport the musical instruments around. Some parents of children who ride the bus say they are making arrangements for the instrument to stay at school which means little or no practice at home.

All routes are subject to the following guidelines:

1. No large band instruments on bus.

2. No large classroom projects on bus

3. Students assigned to only one bus (residence only)

4. Only eligible children can ride

5. One hour maximum for student on bus

Should anyone have a question about the new routes, please feel free to contact Tracy Taylor, Local Operations Manager for Durham School Services, at 618-790-4306 or 618-542-5012.