Orchestra

1. Orchestra Instrument Options

2. How to get an instrument

3. Supply List

4. Music Store Flyers

1. Orchestra Instrument Options

Advice for choosing your instrument:

Pitch/sound preference- Students are happiest when they love the sound of their instrument! Some people prefer higher, lower, or medium pitches.
Size- String instruments all come in student sizes. Check out the instrument examples below!
Readiness/ Open Mind- Be ready to make a good effort with a positive approach! Learning to play an instrument will be both challenging and rewarding.
Difficulty: All 4 instruments are equally easy or difficult to play. Cello and bass and more difficult to carry and transport.

Violin

Smallest, highest pitch
Played on shoulder, standing or sitting
Reads treble clef music (same as general music, recorder, and right-hand piano)
Easy transportation

Viola

Slightly larger than violin
Played on shoulder, standing or sitting
Medium pitch
A good choice for students who prefer a lower sound and a smaller instrument
Reads alto clef music (unique to the viola!)
Easy transportation

Cello

Large, sit to play
Low pitch
Reads bass clef music (same as left-hand piano)
Too big for the bus. Cello students will need a transportation plan.

Bass

Very large, stand to play
Lowest pitch
Reads bass clef music (same as left-hand piano)
Too big for the bus or small cars. Bass students will need a transportation plan.

2. How to get an instrument

Having a good quality instrument in the correct size will help students find success! We will use instruments during our first orchestra class, the week of September 14!

Already Own/Rent Your Instrument

Be sure your instrument is the correct size for you and in good condition. Contact Mrs. Rauch if you have questions.
Borrowing an instrument from friends or family may also be a great option! Again, correct size and good condition are important.

Music Store Rental

This is a popular option! Music stores can provide quality instruments, and repairs (and loaners during repairs). Renting from a store that specializes in musical instruments is recommended. Some music store flyers are shared below.

FCPS Rental Assistance

FCPS offers instrument rentals (violin and viola) for students who apply for "Instructional Rental Assistance". Eligibility may be verified for participation in the program.
Your teacher will send you an instrument rental contract and payment instructions if you choose this option on your orchestra registration form.

CPES Instrument Waitlist

Update 9/1- The CPES instruments have all been reserved. The FCPS Rental Assistance program is still available.
CPES owns a very limited number of instruments in very limited sizes. These instruments will be distributed in the order that requests are received.
A rental contract and payment instructions will be sent home if an instrument is available.
When this supply runs out, music store rental is recommended.

3. Supply List

Instrument- Please go to the music store to be measured for your instrument!

Tip: Be sure to get fine tuners (small tuning screws) on your violin, viola, or cello.

Case- Shoulder straps may be helpful! Cellos and Basses- be sure to get a case with lots of padding. Name tag: Be sure that your name is on the outside of your case. A luggage tag or big piece of tape will work well!

Rosin- Any type is fine.

Shoulder Rest (Violins and Violas only). Many options available: consider price, student preference, and what will fit in instrument case. Be sure to get the correct size shoulder rest for your instrument.

Optional:

Music stand for at-home practice. Music stands will be provided at school during class.
Cello strap or rock stop (Cellos and Basses only). We have carpet at school and rock stops are only needed when playing on a smooth floor.

Sheet music provided by school. You do NOT need to purchase any music.

4. Music Store Flyers

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse