CFSD is contracted with Instrumental Music Center (IMC) for its Rent-to-Rent program. Families that have students enrolling in grades 4-8 orchestra may participate by going to IMC to rent their assigned instrument. CFSD and IMC have a Rent-to-Rent agreement for district students that are enrolled in orchestra and band at the elementary and middle schools. If you are interested in the program, you will need to visit one of the IMC stores to complete a Rent-to-Rent Agreement.
CFSD will only pay for instrument rentals at IMC. If a family chooses to use a vendor other than IMC, the rental expense will not be paid by the district. CFSD will pay the monthly rental fee for the instrument, including tax, for the school year (10 months/year). Families that want to continue to rent instruments during the summer will need to pay the instrument rental fee for the months of June and July. CFSD will not pay the instrument rental fees for June and July. Parents / guardians will be responsible for rent and taxes on any instrument that is not returned by the due date. Charges will stop accruing as soon as the instrument is returned.
The district will not assume any financial responsibility for damage, loss, or theft of rental instruments.
Q: What is the difference between the Instrumental Music Center (IMC) Rent-to-Own contracts and CFSD’s Rent-to-Rent contract?
A: Only the Rent-to-Rent contract (rent and tax) will be paid by CFSD. A Rent-to-Rent contract will allow the student use of the instrument, but the payments will not go towards ownership of that instrument. No equity or rental credits can be used by the account holder.
Q: Will I be guaranteed a new or used instrument for my student?
A: IMC cannot guarantee that all 'grades' or types of instruments will be available. IMC will guarantee that the instrument will be sterilized and of high quality to not hold the student back.
Q: What is required to rent an instrument from IMC?
A: As it is a contract that includes a high value instrument, a valid ID and a functional major credit or Visa debit card is required.
Q: What insurance is available and why would I want it?
A: IMC has optional Theft Damage Repair insurance (TDR). TDR coverage is not reimbursed by CFSD and must be paid separately to IMC. Every year, IMC sees a number of accidentally damaged or lost instruments. IMC's TDR coverage will protect loss and damage should it be needed. See the IMC contract for details.
Q: What if my student quits orchestra or band, or we move to a school out of the district?
A: At that point, your rental will no longer be paid by CFSD and you will become responsible for all future rental fees and tax.
Q: What if my student switches instruments mid-year?
A: IMC and CFSD will be able to accommodate this change if approved by the music director at your child’s school.
Q: How many instruments can I rent for my student?
A: The rental instrument must strictly be used for a Catalina Foothills School District #16 instrumental music program only and as the student’s only instrument for the program. An additional instrument may be leased if the student is participating in more than one instrumental music program at grades 4-8, and participation requires a different instrument.
Q: My student is very good at orchestra. Can I rent an upgrade intermediate instrument?
A: IMC has intermediate model instruments as Rent-to-Own only. CFSD will fund the rental charge for student model instruments as Rent-to-Rent only.
Q: What if I currently have a Rent-to-Own instrument from IMC?
A: Existing Rent-to-Own contracts will not be funded by CFSD. Your family may continue to choose the Rent-to-Own contract, as your rental payments can be used towards the purchase of an instrument in that instrument family. Your family may choose to return any existing IMC Rent-to-Own contract. Be advised per the signed contract that "Any unused rental payments will expire in 6 months after the instrument has been returned. The payments will become paid rent and cannot be used towards another rental or purchase of an instrument."
Q: What if I currently have an Instrument contract with another company?
A: The rent will not be paid by CFSD. Consult those other instrument companies if you have questions about your contract.
Q: The last day of the program is May 24th, 2023. What happens if I keep my instrument past that day?
A: Your family will be fully responsible for all rental fees after May 24, 2023. Any past due rents will be charged to the credit or debit card on file.
Q: IMC has an online rental portal. Can I secure a CFSD approved rental on that platform?
A: All Rent-to-Rent contracts must be completed in person. Please visit one of IMC's two Tucson locations.
Families may decide to rent an instrument from a vendor other than IMC. Likewise, families may decide to rent-to-own or purchase an instrument. This is a personal family decision. As a reminder, CFSD will only pay instrument rental charges at IMC and will not pay charges associated with a rent-to-purchase agreement. Feel free to contact Ms. Cioca if you have any questions regarding your child’s instrument.
If you choose to purchase an instrument rather than rent:
It is NOT recommended to purchase instruments online, from pawn shops or individual sellers. There are many instruments of sub-standard quality that are sold online and through certain vendors. Sub-standard instruments will sound bad and also will not function properly. Always purchase from a qualified music store / vendor. It is also not recommended to purchase used instruments from an individual seller unless you are able to have the instrument assessed by a professional prior to purchasing it. Purchasing from a qualified music vendor is in your student’s best interests. Inexpensive instruments that seem like a “good deal” will cost more in the long run for repairs and cause frustration for your child.
Students must use instruments that have a natural wood color. Instruments made with unnatural wood colors (blue, black, purple) are typically sub-standard quality. The materials used to make the instrument and bow have a significant impact on the overall sound quality of the instrument. A higher quality instrument will produce a full, rich sound and as a result, students will enjoy playing the instrument more. While the look of solid-colored instruments is very intriguing, the craftsmanship and overall sound quality of the instrument will not blend well with the look and sound of traditional string instruments.