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Which instruments are in the orchestra?

Violin

  • Reads treble clef

  • Highest sounding stringed instrument

  • Left hand presses down on strings to make different notes

  • Right hand plucks the string or holds the bow and draws it across the strings

  • Click HERE to listen to a video of the violin

  • Rent or borrow an instrument from the school (first come, first serve basis)

Viola

  • Reads alto clef

  • Second highest sounding stringed instrument

  • Left hand presses down on strings to make different notes

  • Right hand plucks the string or holds the bow and draws it across the strings

  • Click HERE to listen to a video of the viola

  • Rent or borrow an instrument from the school (first come, first serve basis)

Cello

  • Reads bass clef

  • Second lowest sounding stringed instrument

  • Left hand presses down on strings to make different notes

  • Right hand plucks the string or holds the bow and draws it across the strings

  • Sits to play

  • Click HERE to listen to a video of the cello

  • Rent or borrow an instrument from the school (first come, first serve basis)

Bass

  • Reads bass clef

  • Lowest stringed instrument

  • Left hand presses down on strings to make different notes

  • Right hand plucks the string or holds the bow and draws it across the strings

  • Stands or sits on a stool to play

  • Click HERE (information) and HERE (performance) to listen to a video of the bass

  • This instrument is provided by the school since most stores do not rent basses

Acquiring an Instrument

How do I get an orchestra instrument?

After you have signed up for band and/or orchestra, you will receive information from the teacher about which instrument you will get to play. After that, most families rent an instrument from a rental company. 

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If you cannot afford to rent, please arrange to borrow a school instrument by contacting Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Bendon, or Mrs. Terrell. School instruments are distributed on a first come first serve basis and reserved for those with a genuine need.

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If you already have an instrument that you plan to use, please let your teacher know as soon as possible. We want the chance to look over the instrument to be sure it is in good working condition.

Beware of Purchasing

We strongly discourage purchasing instruments online from Craigslist, Amazon, Ebay, Wish, Temu, etc. without consulting the teacher first. They are often very poor quality and have many problems in the set up that cause students to experience more frustration than success when playing. Most repair shops will not work on these instruments for many reasons. Amazon, for instance, might say they will replace the instrument if it breaks, but we’ve seen students go through 5 or 6 Amazon instruments before they get too frustrated and decide to take a different route. If you want to purchase an instrument, feel free to reach out to one of the instrumental teachers for guidance before making your purchase. We’re happy to help!

Benefits of Renting

-Renting ensures you have a good quality instrument to play.
-Repair and maintenance programs make repairs cheaper and easier.
-Companies will pick up and deliver instruments that need to go to the shop for repair or replacement.
-Orchestra students will likely not be full size for a year or two, so renting makes it easy to swap for the next size up as they grow.
-You can build up credit with rental payments that can be used toward the purchase of an instrument later on.
-Many students will start on a beginner quality student instrument and then have the choice to upgrade later

Orchestra Instrument Rental Information

You will not need an instrument until the beginning of school. Traditional school students can wait until the beginning of August;  Irving can wait until  the first week of school in July.

Orchestra instruments come in many sizes. Student height and left arm length will help us determine which size instrument your child needs. Occasionally, we will also recommend a different instrument because of these measurements (for example, a student who is small for their age will probably find more success with a violin than with a bass). We are usually able to honor every child’s instrument choice but sometimes will ask students if they are willing to switch so our ensemble has a better instrument balance.

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Once Mrs. Terrell or Mrs. Bendon have contacted you with your student’s instrument and size, please contact one of the rental companies listed below to get set up ASAP.  If your student is registered for bass, they will have an instrument provided through the school since beginner bass rentals are not offered. If you cannot afford to rent, please arrange to borrow a school instrument by contacting Mrs. Terrell / Mrs. Bendon. School instruments are distributed on a first come first serve basis and reserved for those with a genuine need. 

Orchestra Rental Companies

We recommend either Becker Fine Stringed Instruments (https://www.beckerfineinstruments.com/, 515-274-9420), or Rieman Music (https://www.riemanmusic.com/, 515-278-4685). We highly recommend these companies because they visit regularly to pick up instruments that need repair. Both companies offer repair and maintenance (R&M) plans to your rental agreement, which we encourage adding to your rental! String instruments are delicate and that small monthly fee will cover most things from simple string replacements to damage repairs, and they often are able to supply a loaner instrument so your student won’t be without and instrument while their equipment is fixed. 

Orchestra Accessories
 

Below is a list of accessories you will need for each instrument. Your rental will come with a name tag for your case, a shoulder sponge (violin/viola), a rock stop (cello), and a lesson book. We recommend purchasing a wire music stand for home practice and getting a soft, dry cloth to keep in your case so you can wipe down your instrument regularly. 

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Included with your rental:  
-Name tag for case 
-Shoulder sponge (violin/viola)
-Rock stop (cello/bass)
-Lesson book (Strictly Strings book 1)


Other Accessories to Purchase:
-Wire music stand
-Dry clean cloth (could be part of an old shirt, a clean washcloth, etc.)
-Pencil to keep in your folder
 

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