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About Instruments

In orchestra, students will have the opportunity to study one of the violin-family string instruments: violin, viola, cello, or bass.   Please contact Eric (eric.scheider@fernleafccs.org) if you have any questions about your instrument assignment or class placement.  

Students will need their instruments during the first week of school, so please plan ahead to obtain your instrument.  This year, we will be using a class set of Essential Elements Books primarily to review and practice our music literacy skills, so students do NOT need to purchase additional Essential Elements Books unless they want an additional copy for home practice.  

Violin and Viola: 

Students rent or purchase an instrument for use at school and for home practice and transport their instrument back and forth to school with them.  Violin and viola players need an "outfit" of supplies in addition to the instrument itself: 

• Instrument 

• Bow

• Case

• Rosin

• Practice mute

• Shoulder rest (and attached shoulder rest bag if it doesn't fit inside the case)

Instruments come in fractional sizes for smaller players, and need to be sized correctly to fit your student.  Here is a guide to instrument sizing.  Please contact Eric if you have any questions about sizing.  

Cello and Bass: 

School-owned cellos and basses will be provided for use in class.   

A $100 annual equipment fee will be charged for use of a school instrument.   This fee will be assigned in MyPaymentsPlus at the start of the year.  

For home use, students will need: 

• Instrument 

• Bow

• Case

• Rosin

• Endpin strap or "puck" 

  • Practice mute (suggested for sanity at home, provided at school) 

Instruments come in fractional sizes for smaller players, and need to be sized correctly to fit your student.  Here is a guide to instrument sizing.  Please contact Eric if you have any questions about sizing.  

Where to get instruments:

It is sometimes best to rent in the initial stages of learning an instrument, especially for students needing smaller instruments.  Like used cars, there are lots of “deals” on instruments that aren’t really playable, so beware!  But there are also good used instruments on a instrument, please check with Eric to make sure the instrument is well set up.  

Local options: 

• WNC Music Academy Instrument Rental Program (be sure to get an accessory pack too) 

• Tempo Music, (828) 693-8276, 244 N Main St, Hendersonville

• Bernhardt's House of Violins, Greenville

Online:

• Online: Shar Music, (866) 742-7261

*If financial need makes it impossible to provide your own instrument or cover equipment fees, please contact Eric (eric.scheider@fernleafccs.org) for assistance BEFORE THE START OF SCHOOL.  FernLeaf is committed to making sure that all students interested in joining orchestra are able to participate.  

About the Orchestra