2023-24 Calendar Events
Incoming 6th graders: Need help choosing a string instrument? Check out these Videos!
How to Find a Good Orchestra Instrument
1. Rule of Thumb: A credible music shop that properly "sets up" their instruments will have a luthier (instrument repair person) on staff.
2. Watch out for deals that are "too good to be true". (Some of these instruments are in need of proper set up or expensive repair costs.)
3. Painted instruments are not adequate quality for orchestra.
4. If you are still growing, renting your first instrument is recommended.
5. Your teacher is happy to assist you with finding a quality instrument!
*Please contact me as soon as possible if you are not financially able to rent an instrument.
Items Needed for Beginning Orchestra:
*Tuner- Needs to clip onto instrument- The brand recommended is Snark
*Music Stand (for home practice)
*Essential Elements, Book 1 (for the selected instrument)
*Shoulder rest (violins and violas only)
*Rosin (for the bow)
*Rock-Stop (cello and bass only)
*Clean, soft cloth for keeping instrument clean
*Black, 3-ring binder (for handouts and music)
*Pencil (for marking music and taking notes- NO PENS!)
Places to rent instruments and get supplies:
Westbank String Shop Terra Nova Violins
6301 Menchaca Rd. 7795 Burnet Rd.
Austin, TX, 78745 Austin, TX 78757
512-326-4898 512-640-4072
Blackerby Violin Shop Music & Arts
1111 W. Anderson Ln. 5207 Brodie Ln. #220
Austin, TX 78757 Sunset Valley, TX
512-469-9343 512-892-0044
Blackerby South location Strait Music
3401 W. Slaughter Ln. 3201 Bee Caves Rd.
Austin, TX 78748 Austin, TX 78746
512-284-8879 512-476-6927
Orchestra Lockers/ Morning and Afternoon Procedures
Violin and Viola players may bring their instrument to the orchestra room after 7:45am. You will choose an approved locker with Ms. Miller. Locks are not required. If you bring a lock to use, it must be a combination lock and you must really use it (don't leave it unlocked, hanging on your cage). Ms. Miller will record your combination, in case you forget it.
At the end of the day, you will come to the orchestra room to pick up your violin or viola.
Cello and Bass players will bring their instruments to school the first couple of weeks, so that Ms. Miller can put finger tapes on them, tune them, and make sure they are in working order. After taking cellos and basses home, students will use a school instrument during class.
You are always welcome to bring your cello or bass to school for tuning help or other minor repair issues. You will use your instrument from home for concerts.
*There is no student drop-off at the Small MS bus ramp. Even if you are dropping off a bass, you must be dropped off/picked up in the front of the school.*
Violin and Viola players may bring their instrument to the orchestra room after 7:45am. You will choose an approved locker with Ms. Miller. Locks are not required. If you bring a lock to use, it must be a combination lock and you must really use it (don't leave it unlocked, hanging on your cage). Ms. Miller will record your combination, in case you forget it.
At the end of the day, you will come to the orchestra room to pick up your violin or viola.
Cello and Bass players will bring their instruments to school the first couple of weeks, so that Ms. Miller can put finger tapes on them, tune them, and make sure they are in working order. After taking cellos and basses home, students will use a school instrument during class.
You are always welcome to bring your cello or bass to school for tuning help or other minor repair issues. You will use your instrument from home for concerts.
*There is no student drop-off at the Small MS bus ramp. Even if you are dropping off a bass, you must be dropped off/picked up in the front of the school.*