FAQ's

Here are some commonly asked questions when starting out in orchestra and their answers. If you need clarification or have any other questions, feel free to reach out!

What instrument will my child play?

• During the first few days of class, sixth grade students will pick out their instruments. They will get to try out all four of the instruments: violin, viola, cello, and bass. After learning about them all, they will tell me what their number 1 and number 2 choices are. I will try to accommodate everyone’s first choice. There are no restrictions on who can play which instrument. No instruments are specifically for girls or for boys, and they come in different sizes to accommodate anyone’s height (meaning you don’t have to be tall to play the bass!).

How do I get my child an instrument?

Murray owns several instruments available for check out for the year. If borrowing, you will need to fill out a NHCS Instrument Check-Out form. Students will only be able to take instruments home when I receive this form. Cellos and basses may only take instruments home over weekends or longer breaks, so that they are available to play in class. 

All students who play cello and bass will use school instruments during the school day. 

*If you rent or own a cello or bass please leave it at home for practice.*

If you would like to play a personal instrument rather than a school-owned one, I highly recommend you rent an instrument instead of buying one. The instruments come in different sizes depending on how tall the player is or how long their arms and hands are. It is very likely that your child will get taller during middle school, and therefore will need a bigger size instrument. Renting allows you to swap the instrument for the correct size as they grow. 

Varnam Strings is the partner for New Hanover County Schools, and offers the easiest way to get a good deal on a high-quality instrument. For more information on this, Rental Night is Friday, September 6th from 5:30-6:30 in the MMS cafeteria. You may also go online to learn more at varnamstrings.com

Here are some other options for getting instruments and other supplies:

• Music & Arts - www.musicarts.com (another choice for instrument rentals) 

• Shar Music - www.Sharmusic.com (recommended for instrument purchase options)

• Southwest Strings - www.swstrings.com (recommended for instrument purchase options)

• *Amazon - good for books and supplies but not for instruments! The instruments you find on Amazon may seem like a good deal but are often very poor quality. If you would like to buy an instrument rather than renting, let me know and I can help you find one!

Students will need to have an instrument and all supplies by Monday, September 8th.

What if my child wants to switch instruments mid-year?

I strongly discourage switching instruments mid-year. Every instrument has its own technique, music notation, strings, posture, etc. So if you switch to something different, you will have to start over with the learning process. If there is a strong desire to switch, reach out to me and we can discuss.

Can my child participate in athletics or other extracurriculars AND orchestra at the same time?

YES!!! Many current orchestra, band, or chorus students participate in sports, theater, after-school clubs, and other extracurricular activities. Murray does a great job at supporting the arts, and we try to avoid conflicts with other school events when possible. Being well-rounded is such a great way for them to grow as a person and student. Being involved in multiple activities is great for a student’s social life, time management skills, cognitive development, and has many other benefits. (It also looks great on college applications!)

Are concerts required?

Yes. Students are required to perform at the 3 orchestra concerts throughout the year (4 concerts for 8th grade!) Concerts are like our EOG, it is how they demonstrate what they have learned in class. Attending the concerts is a part of their grade as per the handbook. But of course, life happens and replacement grades can be given on a case-by-case basis.

Are students required to practice outside of school?

In order to get the most out of learning their instrument, time needs to be taken outside of class to practice. About an hour of focused, dedicated practice time per week (less than 15 minutes a day!) is going to make sure they stay on track with the rest of the class and be successful in orchestra. 

As above, school instruments may be taken home after the instrument check-out form is signed. I will also allow students to stay after school (by request) for practice time.