Supplies

Required Supplies for all orchestra students:

• A working stringed instrument and bow
• Rosin
• Cloth to clean instrument
• Pencil
• Cello and bass players need a rock-stop
• Violin and viola students need a shoulder rest
  • Shoulder rests are essential for developing proper posture and playing technique. In 7th grade students learn vibrato and shifting which is nearly impossible to perform without a shoulder rest. A good shoulder rest enables students to hold their instrument with no hands. I highly recommend the brand Everrest (affordable and comfortable), Khun is another great brand, but usually more expensive.

Required Music Book:

• 5th grade orchestra students need Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for your instrument
• 6th grade orchestra students need Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 for your instrument
• 7-8th grade orchestra students need Essential Elements 2000 Book 3 for your instrument

Recommended Supplies:

• Music stand for at home practice
• A well lit, quiet practice area at home
• tuner/metronome
• spare set of strings (strings break, it is good to have a backup on hand)

Middle School Concert Attire:

5th & 6th Graders:

LADIES: White blouse, and long black dress pants or a long black dress/ skirt. Flashy jewelry can distract the audience from the performance. Please wear black shoes too. Yoga pants and athletic stretchy pants are not acceptable for a performance.

GENTLEMEN: White, long-sleeved button up shirt, black tie, dress pants, black shoes, black socks, and a black belt. A suit coat is optional, but encouraged.

7th & 8th Graders:

Dressy black attire is required for all performers. Please check, periodically, that the dress clothes fit. Dress clothes may include, but are not limited to, a long black skirt/dress, a black suit with a black tie, and a white shirt. Foot wear (socks and shoes) should also be all black.

The following music stores stock/can order supplies for orchestra.

THE STRING HOUSE, Ph: 585-442-9272

1531 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618

* ATLAS MUSIC Ph: 585-671-2020

1762 Empire Blvd. Webster, NY 14580

SULLIVAN VIOLINS Ph: 585-325-7250

3300 Monroe Ave suite 215, Rochester, NY 14618

STRINGED INSTRUMENT SERVICES, Ph: (585) 377-4360

52 N Main St, Fairport, NY 14450

* MUSIC AND ARTS, Ph: (585) 586-2766

Pittsford PLaza

* DORI’S MUSIC STUDIO, Ph: (585) 352-8686

134 S Union St, Spencerport, NY 14559

Cello Drones CD by Marcia Sloane

Cello drones are a fantastic way to practice intonation while playing scales, arpeggios, and repertoire. There are several cello drone CDs on the market but this CD by Navarro River Music is unique in that it has three octaves of the fundamental pitch plus two octaves of the fifth. I highly recommend this product.