Instrument Rental Information

When you have selected an instrument, indicate your choice by completing this form. 

Then, see below for detailed information regarding instrument rental. 

Violin, Viola, and Cello Students:

All orchestra students (with exception of String Bass, see below) are encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music store. We do not recommend purchase of an instrument because students will begin on a smaller sized instrument, then progress to a full-size instrument as they grow. Local rental companies are able to offer high-quality instruments at every size, and are able to exchange the instruments free of charge as students grow into the next size. Additionally, when renting from a local store, you will have the luxury of their in-house repair technicians, who will be able to address any repairs that are necessary. 

Violin and Viola players will transport their instruments back and forth from school/home. There are instrument cubbies in the orchestra room, which students are welcome to use for overnight storage on the days that they do not need to bring their instruments home for practice. 

Cello players will transport their rented instrument back and forth on the bus daily, OR, are welcome to pay an annual fee of $125 to KMMS for the use of a school instrument for our in-class rehearsals, which alleviates the need for the student to take the rented instrument back and forth each day. 

Bass Students:

Students who select to play String Bass will rent their instrument directly from KMMS. That annual rental fee will cover the cost of keeping one bass at home for practice throughout the year AS WELL AS one bass to play at school. This alleviates the transportation burden on our bass playing students. Please contact Ms. Weber (webers@kmsd.edu) to arrange your bass rental. 

White House of Music (recommended vendor)

The White House of Music (multiple locations including Waukesha) has been serving students in the KM District for decades. They offer competitive rental prices and a high-quality rental fleet of instruments as well as a rent-to-own program that applies some of the rental fee toward eventual purchase of an instrument. White House of Music also has a representative that services KMMS and KMHS weekly, which makes for easy exchanges and repairs of instruments without the need to travel to the store. 

If you are interested in renting your instrument from White House of Music, see the informational brochure below or visit their website by https://whitehouseofmusic.com/musical-instrument-rental/. 

When you are ready to complete the instrument rental process, you may do so through White House of Music's online rental program by CLICKING HERE. 

WhiteHouse of Music Rental Program.pdf

Other Required Supplies:

All other supplies including music folder, sheet music, flashcards, etc, will be provided. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding supplies. 

BUYER BEWARE

You may be tempted to look for an instrument to purchase online. Though there are some reputable online dealers (www.swstrings.com and www.sharmusic.com) there are many instruments that have proven problematic, including the following instruments that are made available through Amazon. These instruments do NOT set our students up for success, and in our experience, families have had to spend additional money trying to repair these instruments, have new bridges cut, replacing strings, bows, etc., which ultimately has resulted in the price being higher than renting from a reputable vendor. 


BRANDS THAT ARE NOT RECOMMENDED:

Mendini

Cecilio

Eastar

Financial Assistance

A limited number of instruments and supplies are available at no cost to students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. If you believe you qualify for reduced or no-fee rental through the school district, please contact Ms. Weber to arrange for an instrument and rental contract to be supplied for your child.