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Beginners
Instrument Selection Night
Instrument Selection Night
Thursday, March 13, 2025
5-7 pm (come and go)
SCIS Commons
Thursday, March 13, 2025
5-7 pm (come and go)
SCIS Commons
Incoming Beginners (Fall 2025) should this come-and-go event with an adult! You will get to try all the instruments, get sized for your top choice instrument, and get information on how to get your instrument and supplies.
Click HERE for Frequently Asked Beginner Questions!
Click HERE for Frequently Asked Beginner Questions!
Does my student need any prior knowledge or experience to join Orchestra?
Does my student need any prior knowledge or experience to join Orchestra?
No! We will start from the very beginning and teach the students everything they need to know!
No! We will start from the very beginning and teach the students everything they need to know!
What if my student has prior experience on the instrument he/she wants to play in Orchestra?
What if my student has prior experience on the instrument he/she wants to play in Orchestra?
Please contact Mrs. Wang at rhanley@ccisd.net for information about auditioning for a non-Beginner level.
Please contact Mrs. Wang at rhanley@ccisd.net for information about auditioning for a non-Beginner level.
How do I know what size instrument and supplies to get?
How do I know what size instrument and supplies to get?
Come to Instrument Selection Night on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 5-7 pm (come and go) at SCIS! Both the student and an adult should attend! If you are unable attend Instrument Selection Night, please email Mrs. Hanley (rhanley@ccisd.net).
Come to Instrument Selection Night on Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 5-7 pm (come and go) at SCIS! Both the student and an adult should attend! If you are unable attend Instrument Selection Night, please email Mrs. Hanley (rhanley@ccisd.net).
When should I get the instrument and supplies?
When should I get the instrument and supplies?
We recommend reserving your rental ASAP following Instrument Selection Night so that you do not end up on a waiting list at the start of the year.
We recommend reserving your rental ASAP following Instrument Selection Night so that you do not end up on a waiting list at the start of the year.
How much before/after school time is required for my Beginner?
How much before/after school time is required for my Beginner?
We rarely require Beginners to come before or stay after school for rehearsals or required events. We perform 4-5 times per year in the evening and require fewer than 5 afterschool rehearsals. There are (optional) after-school social events throughout the year which do not affect students' grades.
We rarely require Beginners to come before or stay after school for rehearsals or required events. We perform 4-5 times per year in the evening and require fewer than 5 afterschool rehearsals. There are (optional) after-school social events throughout the year which do not affect students' grades.
My student is already highly involved in extracurricular/competitive/traveling activities; will he/she still have time to participate and succeed in Orchestra?
My student is already highly involved in extracurricular/competitive/traveling activities; will he/she still have time to participate and succeed in Orchestra?
Yes! We have many students in all levels of Orchestra who are involved in extracurricular teams, groups, activities, etc. and are able to manage their time well to be successful in multiple avenues.
Yes! We have many students in all levels of Orchestra who are involved in extracurricular teams, groups, activities, etc. and are able to manage their time well to be successful in multiple avenues.
How much practice is required for a Beginner to succeed?
How much practice is required for a Beginner to succeed?
We assess students in all levels of Orchestra based on mastery of the appropriate standards; for Beginners, approximately 30-45 minutes of practice each night should be plenty for them to stay on track.
We assess students in all levels of Orchestra based on mastery of the appropriate standards; for Beginners, approximately 30-45 minutes of practice each night should be plenty for them to stay on track.
My question isn't answered here; what should I do?
My question isn't answered here; what should I do?
Email Mrs Hanley at rhanley@ccisd.net (please allow 1-2 business days for response-thank you for your patience)!
Email Mrs Hanley at rhanley@ccisd.net (please allow 1-2 business days for response-thank you for your patience)!
Instrument rental:
Instrument rental:
If you are unable to attend Instrument Selection Night, please email Mrs. Hanley (rhanley@ccisd.net)!
I recommend renting instruments, especially for students who may not be on full-size instruments yet. As they grow, the students will move to bigger size instruments until they reach full size. Included in the monthly rental fee is a protection plan that covers maintenance and repair. If you purchase an instrument, these costs will come out of your pocket instead.
*PLEASE, do not purchase a string instrument online from general retail sites (places that don't specialize in instruments). Though the prices are low, the quality of these instruments is almost always just as low, or lower. Often, instruments purchased from people or places that are not reputable are improperly set up and unplayable, requiring more money to correct issues or to find a playable instrument. If you have questions about buying an instrument, please contact Mrs. Hanley before you purchase. I want you to get your money's worth!!
I also strongly recommend setting up the instrument rental before the summer, because when the school year starts, the shop will be very busy and you may have to wait in a long line to be helped. At times, the demand for instruments for new students exceeds current supply and you may end up on a waiting list. You can call Lisle (281-487-7303) or go online (www.violins.com) to reserve your rental now (you won't be charged for the summer months). You can even select the option for Lisle to deliver your student's instrument directly to SCIS so it will be ready and waiting at SCIS for your child on the first day of school!
At the bottom of this page you will find the brochure from Lisle Violin Shop (the local experts in violin, viola, cello, and bass!) as well as their price list for supplies. You can also refer to the Sizing Guide if you have misplaced your student's Instrument Night Passport with their size based on their in-person fitting measurement.
Internet Instruments.pdfRequired supplies:
Required supplies:
Properly maintained instrument and bow*
Rosin
Cleaning Cloth
Shoulder rest (for violin/viola) or rock stop (for cello/bass)
Folding music stand for home practice and off-campus events
Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1 (be sure to get the right one for your instrument)
Cello players need a stable chair at home without wheels and without armrests to use for home practice.
Bass players need a stool for home practice (we will discuss this in class in August).
2-3 Pencils (we never mark in pen)
You will be given a black 3-ring binder that is for Orchestra use ONLY.
*PLEASE do not purchase an instrument online! See the document on the left for more information.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Wang! Additional resources are available to those who have financial need.
Questions? Concerns? Financial Issues?
Questions? Concerns? Financial Issues?
If your student wants to be in Orchestra, I will work with you to make it possible. There are financial resources available to those who need them! Please contact me (rhanley@ccisd.net) to let me know the situation and I will help you out in any way I can.
If your student wants to be in Orchestra, I will work with you to make it possible. There are financial resources available to those who need them! Please contact me (rhanley@ccisd.net) to let me know the situation and I will help you out in any way I can.
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