Embedded Files
Joining the Orchestra is so much fun! We want to make sure that your child has the best experience that they can in the orchestra.
In order to be successful in orchestra class, all students will need a few supplies along with their instruments.
All students will need the method book, Sound Innovations Book 1. It is available at Eckroth Music. Students will use it for classroom instruction and home practice. It costs around $10.99
A cake of rosin. Rosin starts at about $4.00, and if it is taken care of properly, will last for years. I still have a cake from my college years! The linked video is for informational purposes only. We DON'T need fancy rosin in the beginning :) Eckroth instruments will come with one.
A soft cloth for cleaning their instrument. Baby washcloths are fantastic, as are any small microfiber cloths. These cloths will be kept in their case for frequent cleaning.
A luggage tag for labeling their instrument. Many cases are practically identical. You may purchase one, snag one off a suitcase or encourage your child to customize their very own with cardboard, packing tape, and heavy string or a zip tie! Eckroth instruments will come with one.
Optional, but lovely. A music stand! They are available in many fun colors and are so helpful for establishing great posture.
Optional An electronic tuner. I recommend the Neon Clip-On Tuner. It is Item# ST600 and costs $19.99 and it is AWESOME! They also are now stocking this tuner at Eckroth.
Instrument Specific Materials
Instrument Specific Materials
Violin-Viola
Violin-Viola
Shoulder rest or violin/viola sponge to support instrument and provide comfort.
Cello
Cello
Old belt or rock stop to use to keep endpin in place and to protect floors.
Bass
Bass
Rock Stop to keep instrument from damaging floor or sliding
Finding a quality instrument is crucial.
Finding a quality instrument is crucial.
A string instrument is a very good investment. Most parents find that when their child outgrows their instrument or wants to upgrade, that they will get what they spent when they sell it.
Please be very careful about purchasing a string instrument that might not work for your child. There are many string instruments (mostly violins) that are very inexpensive online. A new, $100 violin will be an endless source of frustration. Any instrument that looks like a toy (for example, a blue violin) is a toy, not an instrument. These instruments are frequently unplayable as they are very difficult to tune, don't stay in tune, or are adjusted so poorly that even I can't make them sound good. They will not serve your child well. Please feel free to contact me with your questions. We want to set your child up for SUCCESS, not FRUSTRATION.
Our local music stores have quality instruments that work extremely well for our students. We will work together to get the correct size for your child and as they grow, they can simply be returned for the next size up. There are also a variety of online stores that work well for renting/purchasing string instruments on our Links page.
Craigslist and Facebook can be great places to find quality used instruments. I will help you as I have a lot of experience with different brands. Email me when you find something and let me take a look!
Talk to friends! Talk to relatives! Talk to neighbors! Network!
Our district also owns a very limited number of instruments that we are available to rent for the year. Please be aware that we need to reserve these instruments for families with honest financial need. We do not have enough for everyone. The school rental fee for the year is $100.00.
Questions? Contact me!
Page updated
Report abuse