As an educator I have to recomend Vic Firth for all your percussion impliments simply because of the superior quality and great customer service. I've been in groups that have used both Vic Firth and Innovative Percussion products. I have enjoyed using IP stuff in the past, but when it came time to choose the products I myself would use personally as well as for my competitive groups, both scholastic and drum corps, there was certainly only one choice.
Vic Firth has shown time and time again that they are commited to making the best products with the most wide selection of implements available today. No matter if it's a solo for regions or college auditions or for the outdoor and indoor activities, there are multiple choices to suit your situation. And with the introduction of the multi-application series, there is now a choice for the economically sensitive schools that can cover all of their needs(outdoor, indoor, concert and solo) while still allowing you to use the best equipment available to your students.
There are also many people there that would assit you in choosing the correct implements for your school.
Hope this helps!
I'm with Vic.