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.
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.
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.