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On this page, you will find information about how to get an instrument for your student, and what extra materials are needed. Please ask Mr. Lowery (mlowery@crschools.us) if you have any questions!
Part 1: How to Get an Instrument for Orchestra
Part 1: How to Get an Instrument for Orchestra
Preferred Option #1: Rent through a local music store
Preferred Option #1: Rent through a local music store
Correct size, everything included. Simple and easy (see options farther down on this page)
Preferred Option #2: Rent through RCCBA
Preferred Option #2: Rent through RCCBA
Specifically for students with financial need AND students who play larger instruments, such as:
Cello, Double Bass, Tenor Saxophone, French Horn, Euphonium/Baritone, Tuba, and Percussion*
Read more on our rental application form: https://forms.gle/qchJXgNA8Kg9i7B8A
Can I purchase from my neighbor, or another private source?
Can I purchase from my neighbor, or another private source?
This is risky--anyone could sell you a cheap, low-quality instrument that hurts your student as they try to learn. Ask Mr. Lowery for help identifying quality instruments.
Can I purchase on Amazon, Ebay, etc.?
Can I purchase on Amazon, Ebay, etc.?
Not from these sites! These instruments are usually low quality and will hurt your student as they try to learn. If you really want to buy online, Sweetwater below is a trusted online source. However, a local physical store in Cedar Rapids provides easier service!
Where to Get Instruments
Where to Get Instruments
Schultz Strings (Local) - One option for a local store
Schultz Strings (Local) - One option for a local store
1190 Twixt Town Rd, Marion, IA
Offers ONLY Orchestra Rentals
Rent-to-Own Plan: $26 to $97 per month
(Based on Instrument Choice)
Sizing Chart — For violin, viola, and cello, 6th Graders usually need “3/4 size”, older/larger students use 4/4 (full size). For double bass, 1/2 size might be better. See sizing chart at bottom of the page
West Music (Local) - another option for a local store
West Music (Local) - another option for a local store
1398 Twixt Town Rd, Marion, IA
Offers Both Band & Orchestra Rentals
Cost: $26 to $84 per month*
(Based on Instrument Choice)
*Orchestra Rentals here are lease only(updated 6/11/2025)
Sweetwater.com (online) - best online choice. Avoid Amazon/ebay
Sweetwater.com (online) - best online choice. Avoid Amazon/ebay
Offers Both Band & Orchestra Rentals*
(with optional upgrades available & 1-month trials)Rent-to-Own Plan: $20 to $60 per month
(Based on Instrument Choice)
RCCBA Rental - alternative choice to rent directly from school
RCCBA Rental - alternative choice to rent directly from school
For students with financial need AND students who play larger instruments
Cost: One-time fee of $75 per school year.
Families that qualify for reduced lunch: $45 per school year
Families that qualify for free lunch: $0 per school year
Does Not Include:
— Method Book (required for class)
— Most of the additional materials listed below
— Accident Protection (paid out of pocket)
Part 2: Extra equipment needed
Part 2: Extra equipment needed
These items only need to be purchased one time, and can be used for years after.
See instructions below based on where you are getting your instrument:
If you are renting your instrument from Schultz Strings, West music, or Sweetwater.com: these items may be included with your rental, so please check with your store before purchasing them on your own. If they aren't included, the store will probably have them available, or you can use the purchase links below.
If you are renting your instrument from Schultz Strings, West music, or Sweetwater.com: these items may be included with your rental, so please check with your store before purchasing them on your own. If they aren't included, the store will probably have them available, or you can use the purchase links below.
If you are renting your instrument from RCCBA:
If you are renting your instrument from RCCBA:
Cello/Bass: your rental includes the instrument only. Please purchase the other items on the list.
Cello/Bass: your rental includes the instrument only. Please purchase the other items on the list.
Violin/viola: your rental includes the instrument + shoulder rest. Please purchase the other items on the list.
Violin/viola: your rental includes the instrument + shoulder rest. Please purchase the other items on the list.
If you are a returning student (7th/8th grade) and you already purchased these items in the past, you can use the same items again this year.
If you are a returning student (7th/8th grade) and you already purchased these items in the past, you can use the same items again this year.
Violins and Violas NEED:
Violins and Violas NEED:
Instrument – correctly sized for your child (see chart to find size)
String Basics, Book 1 — Required method book for class (LINK). Double check to make sure you get the book for the correct instrument!
Rosin (for bow) — Kaplan Dark Rosin
Music Stand — for home use only (LINK)
Shoulder Rest (violin & viola only) — Kun brand, or Poly Pad sponge. Make sure you get the right size for your student's instrument.
Clip on Tuner — (LINK) This link says "cello/bass" but it also works for violin/viola too.
Cellos and Double Basses NEED:
Cellos and Double Basses NEED:
Instrument — correctly sized for your child (see chart to find size)
String Basics, Book 1 — Required method book for class (LINK). Double check to make sure you get the book for the correct instrument!
Rosin (for bow) —
Kaplan Dark Rosin--LINK (for Cellos)
Pop's Bass Rosin (FOR DOUBLE BASS ONLY)
Music Stand — for home use only (LINK)
End pin Strap (cello only--LINK) OR Rock Stop (bass only--LINK) - this item will protect your floor from the "spike" at the end of the instrument's endpin
Clip on Tuner — (LINK)
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