Instrument Rental and Supplies Information

Orchestra Materials:

These are the supplies you will need to participate in 5^th grade orchestra:

1. Instrument and Bow - please order the correct size instrument.

2. Book – Essential Elements Book 1 for your instrument (violin, viola, or cello)

3. Rosin (comes with instrument rental)

4. Violin/Viola - Shoulder rest (Everest brand preferred)

5. Cello/Bass - Rock Stop

6. Soft cloth used for cleaning rosin dust off your instrument – should be kept in case (it can be an old rag or handkerchief)

7. Orchestra T-Shirt

8. Optional: Metal folding stand for home practice – this will encourage correct playing position

Instrument Selection:

Playing on a poor quality instrument will only cause frustration for you, your child, and the teacher. Low quality instruments are made of inferior materials. They break easily, do not tune well, and cannot produce an acceptable tone. They are considered toys and class time is wasted when the teacher must continually adjust a student’s tuning. I do not recommend purchasing an instrument that is painted (white, purple, blue). Although these are fun to look at, usually they are not quality instruments. When purchasing, it is highly important to obtain an instrument from a reputable dealer. Generally, in the world of string instruments, cost reflects quality. If an instrument is significantly cheaper than one of a different brand or at a different store, it is probably a lower quality instrument

Rental vs. Purchase:

It is recommended at the beginning stages to rent an instrument rather than purchase. Most 5^th grade students will start on a smaller sized instrument and gradually move up to a full size. Most students wait until they are on a full size instrument to consider purchasing. Many rental companies offer rent-to-own credit programs.

There is a VERY limited number of Reduced Fee District Instruments for rental and parents MUST bring a copy of their District Letter stating their Reduced Fee status to be considered to rent a district owned instrument. Only Reduced Fee recipients may rent a district owned instrument.

Instrument Sizing:

It is best if your teacher measures you for the correct size instrument. If this is not possible, use this guide. If your child seems to be between sizes, choose the smaller size.

Violin and Viola Sizing

With the student holding the left arm parallel to the floor, palm up, measure the number of inches from the base of the neck to the wrist bone:

Arm Length (inches), Instrument Size

19 or less, 1/4 violin or 11 inch viola

19 - 20.5, 1/2 violin or 12 inch viola

20.5 - 21.25, 3/4 violin or 13 inch viola

21.25 +, 4/4 violin or 14 inch viola

Cello Sizing

Player's Height (inches), Instrument Size

57 or less, 1/2 cello

48 - 61, 3/4 cello

61 +, 4/4 cello

Instrument Rental:

Rental agreements can be easily set up online at Dallas Strings or Music and Arts. These instruments will be delivered to the school. You can also rent from the Luthier Shop or the many other quality string instrument shops in the metroplex, but will have to visit their store to set up the agreement.