Instrument Resources

INSTRUMENTS

The orchestra program at Talkington provides instruction in four instruments of the string family.  The VIOLIN is the highest-pitched instrument in the string orchestra.  It is the most commonly played and most abundantly found in the ensemble.  The VIOLA is very similar to the violin, but is slightly larger and plays lower.  It is the only instrument that regularly reads alto clef and is known for its warmth and harmonic role in the orchestra.  The CELLO is the tenor member of the string orchestra.  It is capable of playing very low and is frequently thought of as the melodic instrument of the lower-pitched string instruments.  The STRING BASS is the largest and lowest-sounding member of the orchestra.  It crucially provides the bass line of the music.

INSTRUMENT PURCHASES

Orchestra students are encouraged to purchase their own instrument, typically through approved rent-to-own programs.  George Robinson Strings (3602 Slide Rd., No. B-11) has the widest selection of quality instruments and a convenient and affordable rent-to-own program.  However, Tarpley Music (3737 50th St.) and Music & Arts (10901 S. University Ave.) both have rent-to-own programs that are approved by the district and quality instruments.  Although school-owned instruments are available for rent by students, owning a quality instrument is beneficial in many ways.  Primarily, students will produce a better sound on a quality instrument.  School-owned instruments are typically older and do not produce the best sound quality available.  Secondly, students often enjoy practicing more on a personal instrument, particularly when they are capable of producing a quality sound.

As a student progresses in orchestra, the need for a personal instrument increases as the need for a quality tone also increases.  Finally, because school-owned instruments are limited, the purchase of a personal instrument allows these instruments to be rented to students that are not able to rent or purchase an instrument.  Beginners will be given priority in school instrument rentals.

INSTRUMENT RENTALS

The orchestra program has a limited supply of school instruments that students may rent.  (Due to the generally sub-par quality of most of these instruments, it is strongly recommended that students invest in a personal instrument, especially if the student is considering continuing in orchestra beyond the first year.)  These instruments will be loaned to students for a fee of $35 per school year, which must be paid before the student will receive an instrument.  Additionally, a signed Instrument Rental Agreement Form must be turned in to the director before the instrument may be taken home by the student.  The orchestra program cannot guarantee that all students in need of a school instrument will receive one.  Students will be fully responsible for replacing broken or damaged strings as well as any repairs needed while the instrument is being borrowed.  For this reason, it is imperative that students treat their school instruments with care and respect.  Because string basses are not offered at many rent-to-own retailers, all basses will be provided to bass students for the same $35 loan fee.  Students may be asked to play their second choice instrument if their primary choice instrument is not available for rent from the school.

If you require a school instrument rental, please inform Dr. Allen.  Remember, instruments are available on a limited basis with beginner students having priority.  Advancing students should ideally seek to own or rent their own instrument.

CLASSROOM CELLOS AND STRING BASSES

Because cellos and string basses are far more challenging to transport to and from school on a daily basis, classroom cellos (4) and classroom basses (4) will be made available to students to use during the school day.  However, a rotation called the Instrument Check will be created by which cello and string bass students will bring their instrument in on a specified week to perform on in class and so that the director may check the instrument for needed adjustments or repairs.

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS  

Small instrument repairs may be accomplished by the director, including string replacement; however, should an instrument require more challenging repairs, students are strongly urged to have repairs done at George Robinson Violins, the only certified luthiers (string instrument repairmen) in Lubbock.  All repair needs should be reported through the Instrument Repair Log.  School instruments out on loan that are in need of repair MUST return to campus to the director before submitting for repair.  If the repair is deemed by the director as having been caused by the carelessness of the student, repair costs may be considered the responsibility of the student.  It is, therefore, strongly encouraged that students take extremely good care of their instruments to avoid any unnecessary repair costs.