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MANDATORY Strings Night - Fri, Sep 11 🎻
Mandatory Meeting: Strings Night
Friday, September 11 @ 5 PM
A symphony of possibilities
A symphony of possibilities
Fifth graders, get ready pluck and play your way into the musical world of Beginning Strings! This isn't just your average class—it's your backstage pass to the coolest crew in town: the orchestra! Whether you're dreaming of playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass, this will be a hands-on adventure that will have you making music!
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsal Schedule
Tuesdays @ 3:30 - 4:10 p.m.
Fridays @ 2:30 - 3:10 p.m.
Regular attendance at both rehearsal times is mandatory.
Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy
To ensure every student feels confident and the group performs at its best, attendance is essential.
Absence Limit: Students may not miss more than 3 rehearsals per performance season.
Fall Season: September – December
Spring Season: January – April
Practice
Practice
60 minutes per week minimum (10-15 min, 5x per week suggested)
Assignments should be recorded on the practice log at the end of each class
Practice logs are turned in each Friday
Practice tutorials and aids can be found HERE on the "Practice at Home" page
Print from home:
Practice Record 2025-2026.pdfSupplies
Supplies
All required supplies must be purchased by Strings Night on Friday, September 11. For your convenience, supplies will be available to buy that evening, or you may purchase them from your vendor of choice beforehand.
Bag for strings book, binder, and supplies - this must be separate from the school-day backpack
3-ring binder
Pencil
Essential Elements for Strings lesson book for your instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass) (~$15)
Everest or Kun shoulder rest for violins and violas (~$15-35) sized as needed for your instrument (1/2, 3/4, or 4/4 size)
Rosin (~$6)
Microfiber cleaning cloth (~$5)
Music stand for at-home practice ($15+ depending on the style)
Rock stop with strap for cellos and basses (~$20)
First Frets finger tapes (~$5) OR other fingerboard tapes (see below)
Finger Tapes
Finger Tapes
If your student is using a school-rented instrument, you're all set—the tapes are already applied!
If you own your instrument or are renting from an outside shop, please bring it to Atlantic Strings to purchase First Frets finger tapes (~$5). They will apply the tapes to your instrument for you at the time of purchase.
Binder (1/2"-1") and Pencil
Binder (1/2"-1") and Pencil
Essential Elements
Essential Elements
Shoulder Rest*
Shoulder Rest*
(Violins and Violas only)
*4/4 size shoulder rests linked will fit 14" violas
Rock Stop w/ Strap
Rock Stop w/ Strap
(Cellos and Basses only)
*The strap is needed to properly adjust placement for you student's height. Please do not purchase the freestanding style.
Rosin
Rosin
Microfiber Cloth
Microfiber Cloth
Music Stands
Music Stands
Music stands come in all varieties and price-points! Anything that reliably holds your student's book at eye level is acceptable. Using an adjustable stand during practice at home (rather than a table, shelf, counter, etc.) makes an enormous difference as technique and posture develop!
Instrument Selection
Instrument Selection
One of the most exciting parts of joining an orchestra is choosing an instrument to play!
5th grade students will be introduced during music class to each member of the orchestral strings family - violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students applying for Beginning Strings may indicate on the application if they would like apply for the school rental lottery, along with a ranking of their instrument choices.
While we strive to give students their first choice, our collection of instruments is limited. To be as fair as possible, we use a lottery system for instrument distribution
The great news is - no matter which instrument you get, you'll be in great company! In the world of string players, it's very common to learn and play multiple instruments. The skills you build on one instrument transfer beautifully to the others, making it easy to explore different options and find the perfect fit.
Already have your own instrument? If you own or rent an instrument outside of school, you're all set! You'll be guaranteed your instrument of choice.
Instrument Rental
Instrument Rental
Private Rental/Ownership:
Instruments may be rented or purchased from local music shops. Atlantic Strings is an established music store in our community with a rent-to-own program in which all monthly payments go toward instrument ownership. (Info linked below.)
WARNING - We strongly advise caution when buying instruments online. While some online deals may seem appealing, the costs of assembly, maintenance, and repairs often add up to more than the price of a quality instrument from a reputable shop. Investing in a good instrument from the start can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run.
School Rental:
$50/year
WMSS owns a limited number of instruments that can be rented for the year. Your student will be entered into a lottery for a school-owned rental if indicated on the application. While we will do our best to find the ideal size for each student, please note that our school's instrument collection is limited and may not be a perfect fit for every student. For the most precise sizing, we recommend considering a rental from a local music shop.
The $50 rental fee will be charged to students' Focus accounts after enrollment and lottery assignments have been announced.
Rental Agreements:
School renters agree to be personally responsible for the instrument's safety, and to cover the cost of any necessary repairs incurred while in their possession. If the instrument is lost or completely damaged, it must be replaced at the current value.
All of the supplies above will be available for purchase from Atlantic Strings at our Strings Night on Wednesday, September 17 @ 6 PM, or anytime during the year at their storefront location.
Enrollment
Enrollment
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