Instrument Choice
Students may choose to play the violin, viola, cello, and bass instruments. We have reviewed the different instruments in class on Tuesday as I answered additional questions students may have about each instrument. 6th Grade students may still change their minds if they would like to learn a different orchestra instrument. I do ask that students make a final decision by the end of class on Friday – the first week of school.
Here are links showcasing the 4 different instruments taught in Orchestra Class:
Instrument Sizing
Each of the string instruments come in different sizes. It is essential that beginning students play on the correct size instrument and not on an instrument slightly big for them. Like bicycles, it is important for a student to learn on an instrument that is a little smaller than larger. 6th Grade students will have been sized by the end of the first week of school while 7th and 8th grade students would have been resized within the first few days of school.
Options for getting an instrument
There are three options students may get an instrument to use in orchestra. Keep in mind that teachers are not allowed to endorse or provide opinions on specific brands of instruments or stores.
1. Rent from River Trail MS
Pros
- Most affordable, $50 for the entire school year
Cons
- Limited number of violin/viola instruments and sizes
- Instrument quality can range from satisfactory to “been through a war”
- No instruments are avaliable if a student needs to go up the next size
- Repair turnaround can take weeks
*Click here for more information about renting a school instrument
2. Rent from a Music Store
Pros
- Instrument quality and sound better than school or online purchased instruments
- Many stores allow a percentage of accrued rental fees to be applied to a brand new, higher quality instrument
- Some stores offer Damage insurance
- Faster Repair times
- Most stores can switchout the instrument if a student needs the next size up
Cons
- Rental Fees range between $20 to $35 a month for Violin or Viola
*Click here for more information about renting a school instrument
3. Buying your Own Instrument (online)
Pros
- You own the instrument
Cons
- Really need to know what one is looking for in a violin or viola instrument
- Quality of instrument is very difficult to determine, especially when purchased online
- No established standard set between the quality of the insturment versus the cost of the instrument
- Online reviews can be very misleading
- Many string repair persons will not repair damages to some instruments due to the low quality instrument build.
Parents planning to purchase an instrument online should purchase through a vendor that allows for the return and full refund of the instrument if the instrument is assessed to have problems or the quality will make it difficult for the student to use.