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Families are strongly encouraged to rent or purchase instruments for their children, especially if they play violin or viola. For rent-to-own programs, you can expect to pay approximately $30/month (usually $10/mo trial period) for violin/viola and $40/month ($20/mo trial) for the cello. There is usually an optional insurance fee for damages that I HIGHLY recommend for beginners. Basses are not expected to rent or buy their instrument as they are cost-prohibitive. Based on inventory availability, most bass and cello students can be provided with a school instrument but are responsible for damages.
If you are considering purchasing an instrument, that is terrific, but ALWAYS contact the teacher with information about what you are considering buying. Most string instruments look pretty, but the materials and craftsmanship can make some of those pretty instruments unplayable. Poor quality instruments, readily available online and in stores everyday, will not be able to be tuned or stay in tune, will be challenging to press the strings down, and may break easily. Unfortunately, acoustic instruments in fun (i.e. non-wood) colors are not well made and will not stay in tune. Please don't buy Cremona, Belafina, Palentino, or instruments with no label (located inside the f-hole). Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Sam's Club are not music retailers and generally sell toys or violin-shaped objects. Yes, even beginner-level instruments are expensive. Expect to pay $300+ for a beginner violin or viola, over $600 for a cello, and over $1000 for a bass. Deals that are too good to be true usually are.
Additional potential costs include the orchestra method book and accessories. All students are recommended to get the following:
REQUIRED: Rosin (usually comes with the instrument)
REQUIRED VIOLIN/VIOLA: Kun Shoulder Rest ($26-30) Do not purchase Resonator shoulder rests as they damage instruments.
End pin holder- cello only ($5-20)
REQUIRED: Orchestra book ($10-12) Essential Elements 2000 for strings with EEi (Beginners book 1, Intermediate book 2 by winter break, Advanced book 2). School-owned books are available for sign-out if you cannot provide one.
REQUIRED: Music Department Polo Shirt (fundraising to cover this cost. Tip, order a loose shirt so that they can wear it throughout middle school!)
RECOMMENDED: Wire music stand ($10-15)
RECOMMENDED: Practice mute ($5-20) is very helpful if practice needs to be quiet like in an apartment or during a siblings' nap time. Please let kids play without the mute whenever possible.
Fundraisers are available to offset individual program costs for special activities like field trips, shirts, festival fees, and purchasing program equipment.
Instrument Sales, Rental, and Accessories
Instrument Sales, Rental, and Accessories
These are in alphabetical order and no preference has been given.
If I have missed any retailers, I apologize and you can be added by emailing me at kkallegood@henrico.k12.va.us
How much time does orchestra take?
How much time does orchestra take?
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice! It's true that learning an instrument requires time and commitment, which is also true of many goals throughout life. You can expect to practice the following amounts at least 5 days as week in order to meet expectations. More practice sees more results. Smart practice sees even more results!
1st year player = 10-20 minutes/day
2nd year player = 15-30 minutes/day
3rd year player = 25-45 minutes/day
If you are smart with your available practice schedule, musicians can also be athletes, academics, and socialites! As you grow, you may want the challenge or extra ensembles through the school, district, or community partners.
What is it going to sound like while my child learns to play their instrument?
What is it going to sound like while my child learns to play their instrument?
The goal is for your child to always sound good in what they are playing from the very beginning. We start pizzicato (plucking) which is very soft in volume and pleasant sounding. We will start learning arco (bowing) techniques away from the instrument so when the bow is first used, it too sounds good. String instruments never amplifies as loudly as other instruments. If you are in a situation where someone is working from home, apartment living, or managing younger children, using a practice mute will greatly reduce the sound from the instrument. Just remember that playing an instrument that barely makes a sound is not very rewarding, so try to keep that option to a minimum! Also, students will need to play without a mute when playing for me in group lessons so that I can hear them. Finally, the more they practice, the better they will sound. Remember to reward practice with ample with praise. If you hear what sounds like a wrong note, tell the student. You don't have to be a professional to know when a note sounds out of place.
COVID-19 & Orchestra
COVID-19 & Orchestra
The good news is that string instruments can be played while wearing masks and social distanced (in fact, playing too close to each other with a bow can cause other problems). Here are the American String Teachers Association's guidelines to cleaning instruments in COVID-19. My only addition is that while outdoor and fresh air are safest for players, wooden instruments are very sensitive to temperature and humidity. Instruments should not be outdoors if temperatures are under 65, above 90, or in high humidity.
How can I support my child?
How can I support my child?
Middle school is a challenging time for parenting as you may feel like you have moved from the center of your child's universe to them having more peer influences. Please know that even if your child doesn't show it as openly, you are still a major influence on them and their development. Your involvement and support are key to success during this time of developmental growth. Here are just a few tips:
Emotional support is key. Give positive (but honest) feedback. Overhearing a parent say something negative about their playing can have long lasting negative affects.
Try to have a designated place for the child to practice. A music stand, a straight chair without arms, and freedom from distractions are key. Violins and violas can stand to practice. Basses may stand or need a stool depending on their set-up.
For beginners, please keep the student away from the instrument until I send an email that it is the right time (target is September 23rd)! Experimenting is fun...and a great way to break a string before you even start. Also, I will ask you to remove the bow (store it somewhere safe) until we get to it in a few weeks.
Attending performances, chaperoning field trips, transporting the child to school for extra rehearsals, and participating in fundraisers is a great way to show your child that you support music learning!
The most significant improvement will be through the addition of private lessons. Nothing can replicate one-on-one attention, especially with young musicians. The movement towards virtual lessons removes many common scheduling and transportation barriers. Here is a list of some local private teachers.
If your child wants an extra challenge or is highly motivated, there are many opportunities in the Richmond community for young musicians. There are summer music camps, Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program, and Henrico Performing Arts festivals. There are special High School music programs that students can apply for.
Give your child opportunities to hear live music! There are many free and low-cost performances of orchestral music and much more throughout Richmond. See the Orchestra calendar where I put some opportunities.
Share this link to the orchestra's Donors Choose page on your Social Media!
Share this link to the orchestra's Donors Choose page on your Social Media!
Yes, it says Brookland MS just because it only allows me to select one school. However, the strings and supplies will be used at both Fairfield and Brookland!
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