Elementary Instrumental Music Slideshow

Securing an Instrument

We are asking families to work directly with their rental company to secure an instrument for the fall. Instrumental instruction will begin the first week of school. However, we will not begin using the instruments until week 2 or 3. If you anticipate any difficulty in securing an instrument (financial or otherwise), please do not hesitate to contact Mr. DeLisle or Mr. Smith; we are here to help!

Local Rental Companies:

Marshall Music
4052 Rochester Rd.
Troy, MI 48085
248-457-0300

Detroit Violin Company
3096 W. 12 Mile Rd.
Berkley, MI 48072
248-546-4300

McCourt's Music
3063 W. 12 Mile Red.
Berkley, MI 48072
248-546-4300

Wilson's Fine Violins
725 S. Adams Rd., Suite 115
Birmingham, MI 48009

Anderson Music
3790 Rochester Rd.
Troy, MI 48085
248-680-0010

E-mail Addresses

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We're here to help!

Bobby DeLisle: rdelisle@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Sean Smith: ssmith2@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Frequently Asked Questions

How should our family go about securing an instrument?

Students are welcome to rent an instrument (the companies in the brochure all provide instruments for rental), purchase an instrument, or can borrow one from the school (please contact Mr. Smith or Mr. DeLisle if you need an instrument from the school).

What are the benefits of renting an instrument vs. purchasing one?

When an instrument is rented, the company will usually provide repairs at no additional charge. In addition, the instrument is usually of a higher quality than one that is purchased. The best advantage is that as your student grows, the instrument can be traded in to grow with them. Many of the rental companies use a rent-to-own model.

If my student chooses band or orchestra, will they miss out on any instruction?

No. Though students meet for band and orchestra during the day, they are not missing out on instruction. It is up to each individual home room teacher how they use this time for those who do not elect instrumental music. Please contact your student's home room teacher for more details.

Why are piano and guitar not offered?

Since piano and guitar are not traditionally members of the band or orchestra they are not included in the method books that are used. However, the skills that students who have previously taken piano or guitar can be applied to most of the instruments offered.

If your student plays the piano, one thing to consider is that the bells (percussion instrument) are set-up in the exact same configuration. For guitar players, they may want to choose to play the bass, since the four strings of the bass are the same as the lowest four strings on the guitar.

My student does not have any previous experience on their instrument. Will they be behind?

We begin all students on their instrument as if they have no prior experience. The first lessons center around the care of the instrument and then we build up from there.

When should we secure an instrument?

Though we ask that families try to have an instrument by the second week of school, students can still be a part of band and orchestra as long as they have an instrument by the third week.

How do we sign-up for band and orchestra?

Please fill-out this form:

https://forms.gle/RRz1KkemXSdSeUN7A