Future Students & Parents

WHAT WE TEACH

There are four instruments offered in orchestra- Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass. Each instrument has it's own unique sound and students are typically drawn to a certain one. Any size student can play any size instrument and there is no such thing as a "girl" or "boy" instrument. Much like Harry Potter's wand, let the instrument pick you! Check out the videos below for a more in-depth look at each instrument. 

VIOLIN

The violin is the smallest and highest pitched instrument. You hold this instrument on your left shoulder- regardless if you are right or left handed!

VIOLA

The viola (vee-oh-la) is a medium sized instrument with a slightly lower sound. You hold this instrument on your left shoulder- regardless if you are right or left handed!

CELLO

The cello is a larger, deeper, more mellow sounding instrument. This instrument is held up and supported by an end pin. Definitely NOT held on your shoulder!

BASS

The bass is the largest instrument in orchestra. It has a deep, rich sound and is played in a variety of performing groups. Also held up by an end pin and definitely NOT held on your shoulder! 

NEXT STEP...

Renting an instrument is easier than you might think and the preferred way to begin your Bulldog Orchestra journey. 

Bell's Music Shop has been the preferred vendor for many years in NISD and takes great care of our families. They deliver the instrument right to CTMS along with the needed supplies so it's there for your child on the first day of school. And at the end of three years, you own the instrument! 

Please DO NOT purchase an instrument for your child at this point. If the price seems "too good to be true", it is!!! Many of the "great deals" you might find are sub par instruments that are hard to play, difficult to tune and will ultimately lead to tears and frustration at home. A good rule of thumb is- Don't buy an instrument from the same place you can get toilet paper!

Rental not in the budget? No problem! Students will never be denied the opportunity to play an instrument due to finances. E-mail Mrs. Stevenson for more information about obtaining a school-owned instrument. 

*You are free to rent from any music shop of your choosing.

instrument selection night

Instrument selection nights will be on April 15th,16th and 18th from 4:30-6:30PM in the CTMS Orchestra Room. Please use this link to sign up for your fitting time . Be sure to follow us on social media as well! This is a great opportunity to meet other future Bulldogs and find the perfect fit for you. Please make every effort to attend one of these three nights. This will help insure that your child's instrument and supplies will be delivered to school prior to the first day of school If you cannot, please check out the sizing guides below to determine what size instrument you will need.

Violin Sizing Guide

Use this guide to determine what size instrument your future Bulldog will need. Then follow the link below to reserve your instrument for the next school year! Be sure to include the accessories (required supplies) in your reservation. 

Viola Sizing Guide

Use this guide to determine what size instrument your future Bulldog will need. Then follow the link below to reserve your instrument for the next school year! Be sure to include the accessories (required supplies) in your reservation.

Cello Sizing Guide

Use this guide to determine what size instrument your future Bulldog will need. Then follow the link below to reserve your instrument for the next school year! Be sure to include the accessories (required supplies) in your reservation.

Bass Sizing Guide

Use this guide to determine what size instrument your future Bulldog will need. Then follow the link below to reserve your instrument for the next school year! Be sure to include the accessories (required supplies) in your reservation.

SUPPLIES

Every instrument requires a specific set of supplies and is essential to your success in Orchestra. You can make this part of your one-stop-shop when reserving your instrument or you can purchase items individually from your favorite "deliver-to-your-door" source.