REMIND
We use the app Remind in addition to Email to spread the word about orchestra happenings. To sign up, follow the links for your students orchestra and you will be directed to instructions!
RIS Orchestra Remind LJH Orchestra Remind PHS Orchestra Remind |
Fingernails
Please be sure that your student is able to play with the best posture and technique possible. This means short fingernails on the left hand!!!! It is very important that fingernails be kept short to ensure good playing posture. Playing with long fingernails not only inhibits their tone quality, but it can lead to carpel tunnel syndrome. Nails should be trimmed on a regular basis to avoid these injuries.
Shoulder Rests
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Strings
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Instruments
Are you interested in purchasing an instrument for your student? Great! Here are some things to consider:
1. DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT UNTIL YOUR STUDENT IS IN A FULL SIZE INSTRUMENT!!!! As your student grows they will need a new instrument. It is highly recommended that you do not purchase an instrument until they have reached that full size instrument.
2. Keep in mind that once you purchase an instrument you are responsible for maintenance and repairs on that instrument! Sometimes it's worth it to keep renting as long as you can so that you don't have to worry about keeping up the instrument and have repair costs if something breaks. Once you own your instrument you will need to make sure you have a spare set of strings on hand at all times. Links to the string sets are at the top of this page.
3. DO NOT GET THE CHEAPEST INSTRUMENT POSSIBLE. You get what you pay for! String instruments need to be carefully hand-adjusted so that they will maintain their tuning and sound quality. That $99 violin/case/bow online is not going to stay in tune and will not sound very good at all. Also, if something breaks on it (which will almost certainly happen) there are not very many places that will even work on these instruments because they are so cheap.
4. ABSOLUTELY NO COLORED INSTRUMENTS. See above!
Now if you are ready to keep looking at purchasing an instrument I recommend that you go through Quinlan and Fabish or Shar Music. Both have high quality instruments that you can trust. Here are some links to their inventory!
1. DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT UNTIL YOUR STUDENT IS IN A FULL SIZE INSTRUMENT!!!! As your student grows they will need a new instrument. It is highly recommended that you do not purchase an instrument until they have reached that full size instrument.
2. Keep in mind that once you purchase an instrument you are responsible for maintenance and repairs on that instrument! Sometimes it's worth it to keep renting as long as you can so that you don't have to worry about keeping up the instrument and have repair costs if something breaks. Once you own your instrument you will need to make sure you have a spare set of strings on hand at all times. Links to the string sets are at the top of this page.
3. DO NOT GET THE CHEAPEST INSTRUMENT POSSIBLE. You get what you pay for! String instruments need to be carefully hand-adjusted so that they will maintain their tuning and sound quality. That $99 violin/case/bow online is not going to stay in tune and will not sound very good at all. Also, if something breaks on it (which will almost certainly happen) there are not very many places that will even work on these instruments because they are so cheap.
4. ABSOLUTELY NO COLORED INSTRUMENTS. See above!
Now if you are ready to keep looking at purchasing an instrument I recommend that you go through Quinlan and Fabish or Shar Music. Both have high quality instruments that you can trust. Here are some links to their inventory!
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Education corner!
When your student comes home and tells you that the pegs on their instrument need to be adjusted or they need peg dope, do you know what they are talking about!? Here is a basic diagram of the violin/viola/cello with some of the most important parts labeled. This may come in handy when you have a repair or are trying to figure out what your student needs. Any repairs that I cannot handle will need to be sent to Quinlan and Fabish for their string expert to fix.
Parents, are you thinking of buying an instrument for your student?! Great, here are some things you should think about. This article by Laurie Niles is spot on when it comes to internet violins. We have a WONDERFUL music company that we work with to provide quality rental instruments for your students. See right to find out some of the incredible benefits of renting.
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Renting from Q and F is your best bet when it comes to providing your student with a quality instrument that will help them grow in their musical instruction. Quinlan and Fabish not only provides quality instruments, but when you rent, ALL strings, repairs and move up sizes are included in your rental. In strings alone you could save up to $80 a year by not having to purchase your own. AND, they bring them to our school so it's as easy as a quick email (or usually I take care of it for you :O ). Not only do you get an instrument that helps your student succeed, but you build equity in that instrument. By the time you and your student are ready to invest in a full size instrument, most people have enough equity built up that they can get a $2,000-$3,000 instrument and only increase their monthly payment by $20-$30. Once you make the upgrade, you have 24 months of payments and the instrument is yours. Having been in the string world for close to 30 years, I can tell you, this is by far the best value, best program and best instrument you can get for your student. If you have more questions, our string rep, Mr. Greg Noble would be happy to talk to you about their program.
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This article is an excellent guide to parents and students alike about how to really get the most out of practice time. Just like any academic class, time spent outside of class studying is vital to the success of your student. The same holds true for Orchestra. The more time your student is spending outside of class practicing, the more they will be able to improve.
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Quinlan and Fabish is the music company that we work with to provide rental instruments. They have a full line of quality instruments, bows, cases, strings and music. They have great prices and will deliver anything you need to school, which means you save on shipping!
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PRIVATE LESSON TEACHER LIST
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