The Sun Prairie Orchestra program currently provides rental information from two area music stores:
Each have student rental options and provide a store representative that calls on the teachers in the District once a week. If you need to purchase accessories (rock stops, shoulder rests, rosin, strings), send an instrument in for repair, or switch to a larger size instrument, you can contact the store directly via the web site or store road representative.
You can also contact the orchestra teacher. Orchestra teachers are happy to measure students and assist with the resizing process to make sure that students are playing and practicing on a properly sized instrument.
Once a student is playing on a full size instrument, you may be interested in purchasing an instrument. There are several options for trying out instruments for purchase including instruments from both of these music stores as well as other Luthiers in the Madison area. Do not purchase an instrument from an internet listing without first checking with the orchestra teacher. If it seems like a deal that is too good to be true, it probably is. Any of the District orchestra teachers are able to share sad and disappointing purchases that resulted in instruments that would not stay in tune, had improperly fitted bridges, seams that came unglued, bows that would not tighten or loosen, or had poor tone quality. There are occasionally good investments available online but contact your teacher for their professional input.
Store Contact information:
Ward Brodt Music Store - Representative: Rob Smith (608) 661-8600 https://www.wardbrodt.com/
Whitehouse of Music - Representative: Doug Vlasek (262) 798-9700 https://whitehouseofmusic.com/