French Horn

When beginning on French Horn, I really recommend you hire through the band program.
Firstly, French Horns are very expensive.
Secondly, students are highly recommended to begin on a compact, Single Bb Horn.
Once a student has progressed sufficiently and has gown big and strong enough, they will want to move onto a Double Horn.

Once the student is ready to go onto a double horn, that would be a great time to invest in an instrument.
Good high school bands will have double horns which their students can hire.

Given the specialist nature of French Horns, I highly recommend speak to a horn expert regarding which horn to buy. 
Beautiful horns can be bought second hand and in good condition represent wonderful value compared to buying new.