Method Books
Beginning Orchestra: Orchestra Expressions, Book 1
Intermediate Orchestra: Orchestra Expressions, Book 2
Advanced Orchestra: Essential Technique for String Orchestra, Book 3
Philharmonic & Rhapsody Orchestras: Expressive Techniques for Orchestra
Orchestra Expressions, Book 1
Orchestra Expressions, Book 2
Essential Technique for String Orchestra, Book 3
Expressive Techniques for Orchestra
Instrument, Bow, & Case
Set your student up for success: I highly recommend renting from a reputable music store: Dallas Strings, Violin House, or Cadenza
Instrument shaped objects purchased from a store that also sells toilet paper, and/or are pink, purple, blue, yellow, orange, etc. are NOT acceptable
Another reason to rent: String instruments come in different sizes. When students grow, they will need a larger instrument until they reach a full size (4/4)
All of the above music education stores are aware of the "PHMS Orchestra Beginner Supply Package" to help parents purchase the correct items for their student
BLACK Cranbury Music Folder & Pencils
Lots of pencils (no pens, no erasable pens, no colored pencils)
Cranbury Folder linked here (black, size 8.5x11)
Tuner/Metronome - WITH Cord
Clip on tuner or a tuner app for home
Recommendation: Korg Tuner and Metronome WITH Cord - amazon link
App Recommendation: Tunable
Fingernails MUST be kept short to be successful
No fake nails
Nails need to be clipped down to the fleshy part of your finger
Nails that are too long cause poor hand positions which result in muscle pain
Students are encouraged to have nail clippers or a nail file in their case
Quality Strings
Instrument rentals come with a set of strings
Recommendations: Helicore (warm sound), Infeld Red (warm sound), Evah Pirazzi (bright sound)
Shoulder Rest & Shoulder Rest Bag (Violin/Viola)
Shoulder rest sizes depend on the size of your instrument
Recommended Brand: Everest, Wolf Primo, Bon Musica
If the instrument case does not have a compartment to keep a shoulder rest, students will need a bag that clips onto the case
Rock Stop (Cello/Bass)
Rock stops prevent cellos and basses from slipping when playing on non-carpeted floors
Rosin
Medium/Light rosin
Basses: make sure to get bass rosin
Violins/Violas/Cellos: make sure you DO NOT get bass rosin
Recommendation: Melos Light, Cecilia Solo, Pops (Bass only)
Soft Cloth/Polish Cloth
This can be an old cut up t-shirt or a yellow dusting cloth
No washcloths or microfiber cloths - they will ruin the varnish on the instrument
Folding Music Stand
For home practice
Name Tag & Unique Ribbon
For your case to easily identify your instrument/case for concerts and events