String Instrument Selection for Parents & Guardians
Helping your child(ren) choose what instrument is right for them can be really confusing! There are so many factors: are there instruments that your family already has at home that are ready for your child to play? Will they like the instrument that they choose? How expensive will it be to rent/buy? How many hours a week will they need to practice?
The first thing to remember is how AMAZING music is for your child's brain! Even if they only play for a few years, music has been proven to help with their Social/Emotional Learning just as much as their Academic learning. Attributes like teamwork, pride in work, and hard work are all developed in music classrooms alongside eighth notes and rests.
If your child has a disability that isn't mentioned on this site, work with your teacher to find some modifications for the instrument that your child would like to play.
Check out the video below to hear more about how you can best support your child through the process of instrument selection:
Your child's physical characteristics
Stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass), are available in fraction sizes (like 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4). You can visit THIS SITE to help learn how to measure your child's arms/torso to learn what size they'll need when they start. (Note: violas are measured in inches, like 13" or 15"). If your child has an unique physical characteristics, you may want to talk to Dr. Allegood about this prior to selection.
How much will orchestra cost?
Orchestra is accessible to everyone, regardless of income. In Henrico, elective class budgets are funded through the $10 fee associated with each class. This covers costs such as purchasing music, equipment, school owned instruments, and basic supplies. For 20/21, I do not know if fees will still be collected.
Families are strongly encouraged to rent or purchase instruments for their children, especially if they play violin or viola. For rental to own programs, you can expect to pay approximately $30/month (usually $10/mo trail period) for violin/viola and $40/month ($20/mo trial) for cello. There is usually a fee to protect yourself in case of damage that I HIGHLY recommend for beginners. Basses are not expected to rent or buy their own instrument as they are cost prohibitive. Based on inventory availability, most bass and cello students can be provided with a school instrument, but are responsible for damages.
If you are considering purchasing an instrument, that is terrific, but ALWAYS contact the teacher with information about what you are considering buying. Most string instruments look pretty, but the materials and craftsmanship can make some of those pretty instrument unplayable. Poor quality instruments, which are readily available online and in stores everyday, will not be able to be tuned or stay in tune, will be difficulty to press the strings down, and will actually fall into pieces. Yes, even beginner level instruments are expensive. Expect to pay $500+ for a beginner violin or viola, over $1000 for a cello, and over $2000 for a bass. Deals that are too good to be true usually are.
Additional potential costs include the orchestra method book and accessories. All students are recommended to get the following:
Wire music stand ($15)
Rosin (usually comes with the instrument)
Kun Shoulder Rest-Violin/Viola only ($26-30) No not purchase Resonator shoulder rests as they damage instruments.
End pin holder- cello only ($5-20)
Orchestra book ($8-15)
Practice mute ($5-20) is very helpful if practice needs to be quiet like in an apartment or during a siblings' nap time. Please let kids play without the mute whenever possible.
Music Department Polo Shirt (fundraising to cover this cost. Tip, order a loose shirt so that they can wear it throughout middle school!)
Once we are able to have fundraisers again, or if anyone has suggestions for remote fundraising, we will try to offset individual program costs for special activities like field trips, shirts, festival fees, and purchasing program equipment.