Instrument Information

D51 Instrument Rental Information

Students enrolled in a D51 orchestra class may rent an instrument for the year.  

Violins and Violas

• Families may rent school violins and violas from the school.  

• Intermediate students who are interested in advancing are encouraged to purchase their own instrument if possible.

Cellos and Basses

• All cello and bass students rent a D51 instrument that stays at school for class.  

• Bass players may check out an at home bass after rental fee has been paid on a first come first served basis

How to Rent a D51 Orchestra Instrument 

Families who rent a D51 instrument must complete, sign,  and return a rental agreement which your director will provide you with.

Students may NOT take their instruments off district property unless the student and parent/ guardian have reviewed, signed, and returned the rental contract.

Rental Fee Arrangements

The standard District #51 instruments rental fee is $100.00 for the whole school year.

Bassists may check out an at home instrument on a first come, first serve basis FREE of charge to support practicing at home. The initial fee needs to be paid to be able to check out an at home bass. Students who double (ex. Violin and Bass) may check out their secondary instrument for $50.00 for the school year. 

Financial Assistance

These school instruments belong in student hands. We can always fit your budget. Information about how to set up payments and/or financial assistance is available through Mr. Castañeda. Please email me if you are in need of financial assistance. 

District T-Tags

All district 51 instruments have a six digit barcode sticker on it. This t-tag must stay attached to the instrument. If the tag comes off, students are responsible for the $10 replacement fee. If the student communicates that the tag is coming off there will be no fee. Communicate!

Clear tag protectors are available free of charge from Mr. Castañeda.

What to Know Before Purchasing an Instrument

When in Doubt, Please Ask!

Myself and your private teacher, if you have one, would love to share our expertise and help you find the right instrument. We can help guide you to find one you love for an affordable price.  

Know What Size Instrument You Need if you are wanting to buy

String instruments come in multiple sizes. Playing an instrument that is too small or too large will dramatically impact your playing for the worse.  Violins and cellos range from 1/16 to 4/4 sizes, basses from 1/8 - 3/4 and violas from 13"  - 16.5".  

Any student playing on a fractional instrument that is not full sized  is advised to rent.  It can be difficult to resell instruments that are not full size and fractions are usually outgrown within a year or two. 

Any student who would like to pursue playing after high school should consider buying their own instrument.

Brands to Avoid

 These instruments tend to be low quality and poorly set up.  They usually break or just can't do what students need them to. There are many more, if not sure please check in with me.

Mendini Cecilio Palatino Fever Lark Santorini

Please also beware of instruments without a label inside. They can be fine, or they can be disappointing. 

Never Purchase from Amazon, EBay, Or Big Online Retailers 

These are truly terrible instruments that are hard to play and will only get worse as students advance in skill. My experience is that these will have to be replaced. Please save your money and consider renting a D51 instrument until you are ready to buy a high quality instrument.  A humorous, but good, rule is to avoid buying an instrument from a place where you can also buy toilet paper.

Do Not Purchase Colored Instruments 

The colors are fun, but usually cover up low quality tone wood, parts, and craftsmanship. Students quickly find that these are inadequate for high level playing. Even the best students quit because of frustration and limitations of these instruments. Contact Mr. Castaneda to make arrangements to use a school instrument instead. The instrument should be a natural wood color.

Always Play the Instrument Before Purchasing

Similar to test driving a car before buying, instruments should never be bought without being held and seen. I highly recommend playing the possible new instrument, seeing what you like and dislike about the instrument to see if you think it is good for you. Reputable music shops will allow you to try out instruments before you make a decision.

Always Work with a Reputable Dealer

We are lucky to have Roper Music in our town!  They are a professional, high quality music store for all your musical needs and are always my first recommendation. If you do not find what you need locally, Robertson and Sons Violin Shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico is a wonderful shop to look for instruments.  I have also had students who have had good experiences with Shar Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sweetwater music is a newer online rental option that is very affordable. 

Instrument Care Expectations

• Always wipe down your instrument and loosen your bow after you finish playing.  

• NEVER place instruments in a flatbed truck without a cover and without adequate padding.

• Never leave your instrument in extreme hot and cold temperatures or in an unattended car, especially overnight.  Heat and cold can cause cracks in the wood and strings to break.

• NEVER try to repair an instrument.  There is a specific glue used on string instruments.  Any other type will ruin the instrument and leave it unplayable.  The majority of repairs are economical and can be quickly and professionally done by either Mr. Castañeda or at Roper Music. 

• Always inform Mr. Castañeda if something happens to your instrument. Families are responsible for any damage incurred while the instrument is checked out to that student. Mr. Castañeda will communicate with you if anything needs to happen and what the next steps are.