Orchestra FAQ

Q: How do I join orchestra?

A: The first step to joining orchestra is to talk to your parent/guardian about your
interest and give them the information about orchestra. The next step is for
parents/guardians and students to come to the informational meeting and
instrument fitting on April 12th. There will be a short Q&A prior to the fitting for
parents/guardians to ask any questions they might have. If additional information
is needed please contact Mr. Bainter
Q: How much does orchestra cost?
A: Your student will need to purchase dress clothes for concerts, method books,
and solo books which you will find priced out in our supplies list. You may also, if
you and your student decide it is time, invest in an instrument; you will find there
are great rental options at our local music store. GP Elementary has instruments
available for students during their time in orchestra if renting is not an option,
however it is highly recommended that students secure either a rental or personal
instrument before leaving the elementary school. Your child will also need to
purchase select method books and repertoire, which is available at our local music
store.
Q: What will my student need for class?
A: Your student will need: their instrument (with a case, bow, rosin, music
(method book and solo), practice mute, rock stop (if cello/bass), and shoulder rest
(or sponge if violin/viola). Some of these items are provided by the school but it is
recommended that these be purchased for the student (see. I would also
recommend these items, but they are not required: Damp-it, and extra strings.
Q: How much does the Spiccato Summer Strings Program cost?
A: The SSSP is a free program provided to all 4th and 5th grade students. We are
fortunate enough to have a school district that funds the arts programs. It is not
required, but highly encouraged to students.

Q: How do I sign up for the SSSP?

A: After attending the instrument fitting on April 12th, you will receive and
invitation in the mail with a registration form. That form must be returned to Mr.
Bainter before May 14th. After that form is returned you will have secured your
spot at the SSSP!
Q: What if I already own a string instrument?
A: If you already own a string instrument, please bring that instrument to the
fitting. We will have a music store representative take a look at the instrument and
see if it is need of any obvious repairs and provide advice on whether the
investment for repairs outweighs the purchase or rental of a new instrument.
Q: What are private lessons?
A: As the orchestra teacher, I give group lessons through the school. Private
lessons are provided by an instructor outside of the school. These lessons are with
taught one-on-one with professionals on the instrument. Students can develop at
a higher rate under the tutelage of a professional of the craft. Being able to hear a
musician play the instrument well cannot have a negative impact. They do have a
slight cost, but your child will benefit greatly from private instruction.
Supply List
Violin/Viola
• Instrument
• Bow
• Rosin
• Shoulder rest
• Practice mute
• Suzuki Book1

Cello/Bass
• Instrument
• Bow
• Rosin (Bass: Pops or Kolstein)
• Rock stop
• Practice mute
• Suzuki Book 1

All Students
• Concert dress attire
o Black pants
o White shirt
o Black socks
o Black shoes

On-Hand School Supplies

• Extra Strings
• Shoulder rests (or sponges)
• Rock stops
• Rosin

Recommended
• Damp-it
• Extra strings
• Extra rosin
Instrument Rental Information
Students have rental options from our local music store or our string specialty
shop. GP Elementary will provide instruments for all students who do not wish
to rent. Some options include rent-to-own, our specialty shop that mean 100%
of your first year’s rental, plus 50% of your rental for ALL subsequent months,
can be applied toward an instrument purchase. You will never be pressured to
commit to a purchase!

Violin
For rental: $150 down, $20/month.
Includes: Instrument, bow, case, rosin, shoulder sponge, name tag

Viola
For rental: $150 down, $25/month.
Includes: Instrument, bow, case, rosin, shoulder sponge, name tag

Cello
For rental: $250 down, $40/month.
Includes: Instrument, bow, padded case, rosin, name tag

Recommended Brands for Purchase

The brands available for purchase in the stringed instrument world are vast. I
would recommend consulting the local music and specialty stores before
personally shopping. It is not recommended buy an instrument from eBay,
Amazon, or elsewhere online that is not a reputable string dealer. Instruments
from craigslist are not recommended.

Reputable makers include (for violin/viola/cello/bass):

Beginner Intermediate

• Eastman • Maurice Sostrini

• Jan Engals • Michael Gerlach
• Karl Reger • Johann Edler
• Bernard Lawrence • Ferdinand Palfer
• Gunther Schaller
• Jean-Pierre Lupot
• Rudoulf Doetsch
• Martin Beck
• Eugen Rubner