Embedded Files
Students in the DCHS Orchestra program are expected to have access to a quality instrument and necessary supplies in class daily. There are several options available to our students to fulfill this expectation. These include:
Purchasing/owning your own instrument
Whether you purchased an instrument from a music store, inherited one from a friend or family member, or found one abandoned on the side of the road, please make sure to check in with Mr. Galerstein to verify its quality and maintenance needs.
Renting an instrument from a music store or violin shop.
Not all instrument rental programs are created equal! Many programs offer rent-to-own options that allow renters to accrue equity towards purchasing their rental instrument outright. Additionally, the quality of instruments in rental programs vary greatly depending on the company, brand, and specific store. We have recommendations for specific rental companies that we have enjoyed success with in the past. Please let Mr. Galerstein know if you need a specific recommendation for a rent-to-own program.
Renting an instrument from DCHS
The DCHS Orchestra has a sizable inventory of instruments available for students to rent. Rentals from DC will require students and families to abide by a contract ensuring responsibility and liability for any damages the instrument may receive while in the student or family's possession. Renting an instrument from DC will cost 50$ per semester, applied to their MySchoolBucks account upon signing the rental form. Please contact Mr. Galerstein if you would like to utilize this option for attaining an instrument.
Instrument Repairs
If your instrument sustains any damage and is needing repairs, please consult Mr. Galerstein first.
Always refer any repair needs (no matter how minor they may seem) to a qualified instrument repair technician or luthier. Many times a well meaning family member (including one who may be quite skilled with tools and woodworking) has ended up causing a much more extensive (and expensive) professional repair to be necessary after trying a home repair. Often what may seem to be a "horrible calamity" (like an instrument neck coming off, or a big seam opening up between pieces of wood in the body) is something that can be handled rather easily and somewhat inexpensively by an experienced stringed instrument repair technician. Stringed instruments and their components are composed of specific woods, special glues, and other materials that are not available at any home improvement store. Always see a specialized luthier or consult your teacher before attempting any repair yourself.
There are several musical instrument repair shops within a close commute from Castle Rock. The experience of these repair technicians varies greatly between each shop. A shop that specializes in Violins and Orchestral Strings will likely do finer work than a shop that also services wind, brass, and percussion instruments. DCHS Orchestra musicians have had quality experiences with the listed shops below.
Things to consider when purchasing a new instrument:
Avoiding VSO's (Violin-Shaped-Objects)
Repairs and Purchases:
Northland Violins/Von's Violin Shop
Rental Options:
Northland Violins/Von's Violin Shop
Strings and Accessories:
Northland Violins/Von's Violin Shop
*These lists in no way reflects preferences of the Douglas County School District or its teaching staff and does not attempt to provide complete lists organized through outside organizations or businesses.
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