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WHAT ORCHESTRA STUDENTS NEED
WHAT ORCHESTRA STUDENTS NEED
Your instrument (either a West Music/Sweetwater Rental or an RCCBA Rental--info below)
String Basics, Book 1 (buy the right version for your student's instrument)
Violins and Violas: Make sure you have a shoulder rest or foam sponge (made for violin/viola players)
Cellos and Basses: Make sure you have a cello chair strap or “rock stop” (needed so the instrument doesn't slip)
***for details on what specific brands/products are recommended see “Instrument Specific Supplies” down the page!***
How to Get an Instrument for Band/Orchestra
How to Get an Instrument for Band/Orchestra
(the cheapest you can find isn’t always the best buy)
Preferred Option #1: Rent through a music store
Preferred Option #1: Rent through a music store
Correct size, reasonably priced, everything included. Simple and easy (resources down the 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
Purchase from a private source
Purchase from a private source
PLEASE ask me for help identifying quality instruments.
Purchase from the internet
Purchase from the internet
Buyer beware! The cheapest isn't the best buy! Ask Mr. Calderon for help identifying quality instruments.
Where to Get Instruments & Supplies
Where to Get Instruments & Supplies
West Music (Local)
West Music (Local)
1398 Twixt Town Rd, Marion, IA
Offers Both Band & Orchestra Rentals
Cost: $26 to $84 per month*
(Based on Instrument Choice)
*Orchestra Rentals are lease only(updated 6/11/2025)
Schultz Strings (Local)
Schultz Strings (Local)
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 — 6th Graders usually need “3/4 size”, older/larger students use 4/4 (full size)
Sweetwater.com (online)
Sweetwater.com (online)
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)
RENT FROM RCCBA
RENT FROM RCCBA
For students with financial need AND students who play larger instruments
Does Not Include:
— Method Book (required for class)
— Rosin for bows or a tuner for strings
— Accident Protection (paid out of pocket)
Instrument Specific Supply Lists
Instrument Specific Supply Lists
this might be included with your rental agreement, be sure to check with your store of choice
this might be included with your rental agreement, be sure to check with your store of choice
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)
Rosin (for bow) — Kaplan Dark Rosin or Holstein Rosin
Music Stand — for home use only (LINK)
Shoulder Rest (violin & viola only) — Everest or Kun brand, or Poly Pad sponge
Clip on Tuner — optional but strongly recommended for tuning at home (LINK)
Parent Guide for tuning instrument at home (LINK)
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)
Rosin (for bow) —
Kaplan Dark Rosin--LINK or Holstein 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)
Clip on Tuner — optional but strongly recommended for tuning at home (LINK)
Parent Guide for tuning instrument at home (LINK)
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