William G. Houston Middle School Orchestra

ORCHESTRA

• • • The Orchestra Room is NOW located in room 328!

    • 6th, 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra will meet on ODD DAYS (1, 3, 5)

      • 6th Grade during 4th Period (10:07-10:50)

      • 7th Grade during 8th Period (12:58-1:41)

      • 8th Grade during 9th Period (1:44-2:27)

    • Students are expected to have the following with them for EVERY class:

      • Instrument

      • Orchestra folder

      • AT LEAST 5 pencils

LESSONS

• • • Lessons will rotate throughout the day 

    • Students will receive small group instruction that will focus more on their instruments specifics. They include, but not limited to:

      • Posture

      • Holding the instrument

      • Note reading/identification

      • Bowing techniques

      • Techniques specific to the students' instrument

VIOLIN & VIOLA

Rentals

When renting an instrument, you want to ask yourself a few questions:

• • • Does the store have an “in-house” repair technician trained to repair the instrument I am renting?

    • Can the repair technician set-up the instrument properly?

    • Are the brands they offer reputable (E.g.: Shen, Shar, Eastman, Yamaha, etc.) and up to NAfME (National Association for Music Education) standards?

    • Will the store replace the instrument if my student needs the next size higher?

    • Does the store offer rental credit towards the purchase of an instrument when I am ready to purchase one?

    • These instruments come in a variety of sizes. Your student must be measured for the correct size. The music store you rent from can help to measure the student.

    • Most music stores will rent as an outfit: instrument, case and bow. Accessories are not included and must be purchased separately.

Purchases

It is HIGHLY recommended that students purchase an instrument only when they are big enough for a full size. Mr. Siekierski, or the music store, can help measure your student. When you are ready to purchase, please keep in mind there are many options to purchase an instrument. “Internet Specials” can be “too good to be true.” Many times, these instruments are sold not to the specifications set by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), not properly set-up or using parts that are not of good quality. It will cost more to replace or repair these parts. Please avoid the following brands, as they have been known to be of “poor quality”: Cecilio, Palantino, Mendini, Cremona, any instrument that comes in a variety of colors, or inexpensive instruments from Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Walmart, etc.

Shoulder Rest- All players are required to have an EVEREST shoulder rest. They are size specific to the instrument. Please check with Mr. Siekierski, or the music store, to make sure you get the correct size.

Rosin- Super Sensitive (Red box)

Lesson Book- Measures of Success String Book 2 (Instrument specific)

CELLO & BASS

Instrument

• • • Cellos & basses can be rented from a music store, but stocks can be limited. Cellos and basses are also available from the school. If a school instrument is your best option, please contact Mr. Siekierski as soon as possible to reserve your instrument. 

    • These instruments come in a variety of sizes. Your student must be measured for the correct size. The music store you rent from is able to measure the student.

End Pin Stopper/Rock Stop- Cellos will need an End Pin Anchor or Rock Stop. Basses will need a Rock Stop. These help with keeping the instrument steady on the floor AND preventing the end pin from putting holes in the floor. These are for home use.

Rosin- Cello will need Super Sensitive (Red box), Bass will need Carlsson (Blue container)

Lesson Book- Measures of Success String Book 2 (Instrument specific)