Frequently Asked Questions

Based on the emails people send, here is an ongoing list of answers to your frequently asked questions.

I missed the instrument display at the beginning of the school year.  What do I need to do?

First, reach out to Mr. Monroe.  An email to kmonroe@usd490.org works best.  You may need to visit a music store in person to handle an instrument rental and/or purchase.  Click here to access a list of stores.

How are repairs handled?

In spite of all of our best efforts, repairs are needed from time to time.  If you are renting the instrument from a store, contact that store.  Stores often include an instrument maintenance/repair program with the rental.  If it is a USD 490 instrument, reach out to Mr. Monroe before doing anything else.  

NEVER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE INSTRUMENT YOURSELF!

Broken strings are an easy issue.  It is a good idea to always keep an extra set of them in the case.  Mr. Monroe keeps a few loaner strings to tide students over and keep them playing.

Mr. Monroe also tries to hold back a couple of instruments to loan out while an instrument is being repaired.  If your instrument is being repaired by one of our stores, they may offer an instrument loan during the repair time.  It never hurts to ask.

If my student (or me) is absent due to a field trip or school-related event, does the student need to complete the absence make-up process?

No.  If an absence is related to a school-sponsored event (game, track meet, science field trip, etc.), the absence will be disregarded in the grading process.  One exception:  Extend students who are also taking orchestra are expected to be in class on Fridays even though Extend does not meet on those days.

Fundraiser Question:   If a person wishes to donate to my "cause" rather than buy, how does this work?

Have the person write the check to "EHS Orchestra" and turn the check in to Mr. Monroe or to Lori Christy in the bookkeeping office.  If you turn it in to the office, obtain a receipt and show that to Mr. Monroe.  You will receive full credit for that amount in your fundraising account.  (If cash, turn the cash in the same way.)

My child is left-handed.  Does this change how the instrument is set up or held?

No, it does not.  At one time, instruments were sometimes reversed for left-handers but this practice has largely disappeared.