Introduction

Please read through the information on this page to learn about class materials needed for orchestra class this year at Sudie. This list stays mostly unchanged each year, so if any of these materials still fit and you have not outgrown them, please feel free to use them again. 

If you have any questions, please let me know! 

Mr. Powers, Orchestra Teacher

JoPowers@dallasisd.org 

Class Materials

Required materials

1. Correctly sized Instrument, bow, bow rosin, and case

-These items should be included together if renting from a music store listed below

-Please make sure you have the correct instrument size

2. Essential Elements for Strings - Book 1 with EEi: Violin

-Please make sure you buy the version with EEi!

-Click here for an example of the correct book for violin 

3a. Violin & Viola only: Shoulder Rest

-The shoulder rest helps students to hold their violin or viola and will greatly improve their overall learning progress in strings class

Amazon link to Everest shoulder rest for reference

-Shoulder rest size should match violin or viola size 

Ex) 3/4 size violin = 3/4 size shoulder rest ; full size (4/4) violin needs a 4/4 shoulder rest

Ex) violas are measured in inches, so please make sure the shoulder rest you buy fits your viola before leaving the music store

The viola shoulder rest can be a little confusing, so please let me know if you have questions before purchasing: JoPowers@dallasisd.org 

It is helpful to have your child try out their shoulder rest if you buy this in-person; one style may feel better than another, especially for elementary students; you may also save some time and money in the process!

3b. Cello and Bass only: Rock stop or cello strap

-I recommend that cello students use a cello strap as it will not slip when attached to a chair

Amazon link to cello strap for reference 

4. Sharpened pencil with eraser

-We will use the pencil not only to write, but as a practice tool in holding the bow for beginners

-Students can keep the pencil in their instrument case

Middle School Only

1. Black 3-Ring Binder ( THIS IS PROVIDED BY PTA FOR 2023-2024. THANK YOU!  )

-1/2 or 1 inch

-We will use this binder for handouts and sheet music; avoid sharing this binder with another class, if possible

-Elementary students are welcome to get a binder as well, but we won't necessarily need it in class

2. Metronome/Tuner

-This can be a separate physical device or an application on a mobile device

-Make sure your device has a built-in microphone or bridge clip 

*some devices have separate clips that attach to the bridge, which can be helpful for tuning during class

-My recommended mobile app is called Tonal Energy, and is available for purchase on both Apple and Android app stores. 

However, there are numerous free options for mobile apps as well. Search for "chromatic tuner" in your device's app store for lots of options.

Recommended Materials for Home Practice

The following materials are not required, but will be helpful to have at home

1. Extra set of strings

-Please make sure you have an extra set ready if a string breaks in class or you may be without that string until you drive to the rental store again

-Make sure string size is the same as the instrument: Ex) 1/2 size violin needs 1/2 size violin strings;

2. Height adjustable music stand

-Having a stand at home can greatly help with technique and overall tone

Leaning down to read music from a table or chair can lead to improper playing technique and can cause frustration and unintended challenges

3. Instrument cleaning cloth

-Rosin builds up over time on the instruments; students should plan to clean their instruments at the end of each practice session or performance

-This should come with your instrument in its case if you rent, but can also be purchased separately

4. Shoulder Rest pouch for violin/viola

-This is highly recommended for violin and viola students if the shoulder rest cannot safely fit inside the instrument case

5. Practice Mute

-Practicing a string instrument home will be necessary for student progress, but can be quite loud to others in your home

-Practice mutes help to reduce to the sound of the instrument when louder sounds are not possible and can be made of metal or rubber (be careful with metal mutes as they can cause damage if dropped)

-Please note: it is important to practice without a mute as much as is possible with individual practice

Please let me know if you have any questions or problems in finding these materials!

All of these materials should all be available at one of the local stores listed below, but for some of the items, buying them online may be cheaper or easier to acquire, such as the class book or the rosin, etc. There may also be other options I can help with at the school. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Mr. Powers, Orchestra Teacher

JoPowers@dallasisd.org 

Renting v. Buying

Please plan to rent your child's instrument this year if they are joining strings class for the first time, for the following reasons:

1. Bowed string instruments come in different sizes. 

Because kids' hands and arms grow over time, bowed string instruments come in fractional sizes based on the size of the performer. Please plan to have your child accompany you and ask for help at the music store for instrument sizing.

Playing an instrument that is too big or small can be frustrating and discouraging for new students as they learn to play their instrument and will greatly limit their overall growth in strings class.

I would also advise against letting a student "grow into" an instrument that is currently too big for them. Students rarely have a positive experience in these situations.

2. Renting an instrument from a rental store allows for repairs on instruments. 

String instruments are very fragile and can be broken easily. Through careful and deliberate handling, accidents can be avoided, but never entirely prevented. Having the option to take your child's instrument to the repair shop as part of your rental fees can come in handy as your child begins their musical studies, especially with learning to tune the strings.

3. Renting an instrument from a store ensures a consistently high quality in the instrument. 

Buying an instrument from non-music stores usually results in an instrument that is difficult, if not impossible, to play. The strings may be too high, hard to tune, the bow may be flimsy, etc. Since the instrument is harder to play, your child will likely lose interest and have a negative experience.

4. Switching instruments within orchestra class make be possible later on

In the string orchestra, we have several different bowed string instruments for advanced students. In middle school, students have the ability to study viola, cello, or bass, in addition to the violin. Renting an instrument at this time will allow you to trade in their starter instrument for one of the other bowed string instruments at a later date without having to worry about owning a small fractional instrument.

Suggested Music Stores for Rentals

Students in the past have had success with the stores listed below. Please keep in mind that you may be traveling to this location several times at first as your child learns to tune their instrument or if an accident happens, so please take the location into consideration when choosing a store.

In my opinion, these store will all offer instruments that are playable and will allow students to have a positive learning experience. However, the prices for rental programs are always changing, so I don't immediately recommend one over another.