Mandatory Meeting: Strings Night
Wednesday, September 17 @ 6 PM
Fifth graders, get ready pluck and play your way into the musical world of Beginning Strings! This isn't just your average classāit'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!
Wednesdays @ 3:30 - 4:15 p.m.Ā
Fridays @ 2:30 - 3:15 p.m.
Regular attendance at both rehearsal times is mandatory.
One of the most exciting parts of joining an orchestra is choosing an instrument to play!Ā
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.Ā
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.
Private Rental/Ownership:Ā
Instruments may be rented or purchased from local music shops. Atlantic Strings is an established music store in our community with reasonable pricing for students, including a rent-to-own program in which all monthly payments go toward instrument ownership. (Info linked below.)Ā
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.Ā
School Rental:Ā
$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.
60 minutes per week minimum
Assignments should be recorded on the practice log at the end of each class
Print from home:
All required supplies must be purchased by Strings Night on Wednesday, September 17th @ 6PM.Ā
*You can purchase these supplies directly from a representative from Atlantic Strings that evening at the event, excluding bags and binders.*
Alternatively, you can buy them from any other music vendor.Ā
Bag for strings book, binder, and supplies (.i.e. reusable grocery bag or similar) - this must be separate from the school-day bookbag
3-ring binder
PencilĀ
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 (~$20)
(Violins and Violas only)
*4/4 size shoulder rests linked will fit 14" violas
(Cellos and Basses only)
*The strap is needed to properly adjust placement for you student's height. Please do not purchase the freestanding style.
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!
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 for Beginning Strings 2025-2026 has closed. It will open again in Fall of 2026.