STEP 1.  Instrument Sizing:

Use this guide to determine the correct instrument size for your child.  If your child seems to be between sizes, choose the smaller size.  

Violin and Viola Sizing

Arm Length (inches), Instrument Size

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:

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

Bass Sizing

Bass sizing is more individualized.  The following is a guideline for getting started.  

Player's Height (inches), Instrument Size

60 or less, 1/4 bass

61-66, 1/2 bass

67 +, 3/4 bass

Step 2.  Set up an instrument rental and purchase supplies:

Rental agreements can be easily set up online at Dallas Strings.  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.  Rental is preferred.  If you want to purchase an instrument, please contact Mrs. Atkins before buying.  Click on the links below to rent from one of these companies: 

There is a limited number of Reduced Fee District Instruments for rental and students are approved based on financial need.  Students approved for the free/reduced price lunch program will qualify for a school instrument.  Parents MUST bring a copy of their District Letter stating their Reduced Fee status to be considered.  Applications for a school-owned instrument will be sent out near the beginning of the school year.

Special note to Cello and Bass Players:

Due to the large size of the cello and bass, some students choose to keep their rented instrument at home for practicing and to rent a school instrument to use at school.  There is a fee for renting a school instrument.  Please talk to Mrs. Atkins if this option interests you. 

Cello and bass players who choose to transport their instrument to and from school each day will have a safe place in the orchestra room to store their instrument through the school day.  

Orchestra Materials:

 These are the supplies you will need to participate in orchestra:   In addition to instrument rentals, supply kits are also available from Dallas Strings.  Books can also be purchased from Penders in Denton or online from sites such as Amazon (books and shoulder rests only).  If you plan to purchase an instrument, please contact Mrs. Atkins before buying.  "Rosin" is also one of our supplies, but it usually comes with instrument rentals, so I haven't listed it as a separate supply.  If your child needs rosin when school starts, we have some in class to use.  

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

2.     Your Music Binder- You will receive this binder in class.  

3.     Pencil- This is important.  

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

5. Cello/Bass only - Rock Stop or Endpin rest.  

6.     Rosin

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

8. Orchestra T-Shirt- you will get these at school when school starts

9. 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 5th 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 limited number of Reduced Fee District Instruments for rental and students are approved based on financial need.  Students approved for the free/reduced price lunch program will qualify for a school instrument.  Parents MUST bring a copy of their District Letter stating their Reduced Fee status to be considered.  Applications for a school-owned instrument will be sent out near the beginning of the school year.