Materials Needed For Orchestra

Click HERE to view/print the Materials List for Orchestra class.

All students need the following items:

1. Instrument ________________________________________ Size _____________________
**Natural wood color instruments only. Blue, pink, green, black, etc. color instrument are great fun but not appropriate for school orchestra.

2. Violins and Violas: Shoulder pad (collapsible, the feet fold to fit in the case)

Same size as your child’s instrument.

Junior and Intermediate violas need a violin shoulder pad.

Recommended brands: Kun, Everest, or Viva.

Cellos: Endpin belt or Rock stop

Basses: Rock stop

3. Method Books and Music Theory Workbooks will be provided by the orchestra.

Students who are continuing from last year need to bring their books from last year.

Beginning students will be provided with all books.

4. Music Stand An inexpensive folding stand for home practice. This is important for good position/posture.

5. Metronome/Tuner: There are some great free apps for smartphones, but some students prefer a separate device like the Metrotuner from sharmusic.com

6. Spare set of strings. Strings tend to break on the night of a performance when all the music stores are closed! If your strings are more than two years old they should be replaced. Aim for a medium quality (not the cheapest and not the most expensive).

Cellists need a spare A and D string.

Bassists are exempt.

Recommended brands: Dominant, Prim, D’Addario.

Avoid Super-Sensitive.

7. Pencil – BRING TO EVERY CLASS!!!

8. Soft cloth to keep the instrument clean – old T–shirts work well.

PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT FROM EBAY, AMAZON, OR OTHER INTERNET SITES NOT LISTED BELOW WITHOUT TALKING TO YOUR TEACHER OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL FIRST!

BEWARE of VSO or “Violin Shaped Objects” found online! A quality instrument will give your child a chance to be successful. The stores listed below have a proven record of providing quality instruments to our students for many years. There are some reputable shops online like the ones listed below, but many parents who try to save money on the internet end up with an instrument which needs constant repairs. Students with a poor-quality instrument usually quit because they are so difficult to play. Tips: Ask if the instrument is meets the MENC (Music Educator’s National Conference) standards. If they don’t know what you are talking about, it may be a red flag. Avoid brands like Cecelio, Palatino, Menuhin, Lark, Skylark.

Please contact before purchase Mrs. Selby if you find a “deal” and need advice.

Local Stores

Southern String Supply

502 Wando Park Blvd #106

Mt Pleasant, SC 29464

(843) 276-9239

www.theinstrumentdoc.com

Tidewater Strings (formerly East Cooper Music)

1051 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite F

Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

(843) 606-2586

www.eastcoopermusic.com