6th grade information

Information for 6th grade strings students & parents

Here are some important things to read before the start of the school year. 

    1. DO NOT buy an instrument off of the INTERNET without first getting approval from me. This includes sites like Amazon & Temu. The instruments on these sites are very cheaply made and will not work properly or make a good sound. You will end up spending more $ getting it fixed (so that your child can play it) then you paid for it to begin with. 

    Please email me at arex@greenville.k12.sc.us if you have questions.

    2. Rent first - do not buy. Since most 6th grade students are not at their full height or arm length, you should rent the instrument. This way, once they grow, you can trade it in (for no extra cost) for the next size up. Also, most music stores will include instrument insurance for a small extra cost. This helps to pay for any minor damage that may occur.

Bernhardt House of Violins (103A Regency Commons Drive - Near Publix by Thornblade) is my recommendation for where to rent your child's instrument. 

You can also use one of the following stores:
4 Strings, LLC (in Fountain Inn, but will deliver to school)

Pecknel Music (off of Pleasantburg Road, near Bob Jones)

Musical Innovations (in Mauldin)

Approved/safe Online Music stores: www.sharmusic.com, www.swstrings.com 

*If for any reason you are unable to rent an instrument and or purchase supplies from the music store due to financial reasons, there are school instruments for use. I also have scholarship programs available to get supplies for students/families who need assistance. Please just ask! :)

    3. "My child still is unsure which instrument they would like to play. What do we do? ". 

        It is not a problem. We will spend the first week and a half learning, listening and getting to try out all of the instruments. Once everyone makes a decision, I will send home a packet with all of the details. (including supplies and how/where to get an instrument). This information will also be posted on Google Classroom & on this website. 

4. What is the list of supplies and equipment that we will need with the instrument?

The sheet below has a detailed list of all of the supplies you'll need for the different instruments. 

5. How long should my child practice each day?

In the beginning, they should only practice 5-10 minutes each day as they are learning to use new muscles. It takes time to build them correctly. As the learn more skills, their practice time should increase. They can practice at home and/or they can come in before school starts each day and practice in the orchestra room. (7:45-8:25)