Strings/Orchestra Supply List

Strings/Orchestra Supply List

Instrument – Violin, Viola, Cello or Bass

·         Students must have a working instrument that meets or exceeds MENC standards for quality and adjustment.

·         Billinghurst has a limited number of instruments to check out to students for a maintenance fee.

·         Better quality instruments are available through local retailers to rent or purchase.  You may go to the stores directly or you may attend Rental Night on Tuesday, August 20^th from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Billinghurst Cafeteria.

·         Students must be sized for instruments by Mrs. Neidhold.

   Please DO NOT buy an instrument off of Ebay or Craig's List.  Years ago I bought a viola for $150 and had to spend an additional $200 to make the instrument playable.  (It's still a terrible instrument and I don't use it--a sad waste of money.)  This does not mean there are not decent instruments on Ebay or Craig's List, it means that you cannot be guaranteed of the quality and experience has shown that these instruments are seldom good enough.

General Supplies

·         All students must have their own rosin.  Bass players should own Pops rosin.  You may buy rosin in class.  Please use a permanent marker to write the student’s name on the rosin and case.

·        Violins and Violas will have shoulder rests checked out to them in class.  There is a $7 replacement fee for lost or damaged shoulder rests.

·        Cello and bass players will have straps or Xeros checked out to them in class.  There is a $20 replacement fee for straps and a $10 replacement fee for Xeros.

·         Pencil

·         A music stand for home practice.

·         We do not use “Essential Elements” at Billinghurst.  You are not required to purchase this book.

Music Binders & Books

·         All music & CDs will be passed out in class.  The $10 fee covers all music and CDs.

Performance Uniform

·         Black pants or skirt (skirts must cover knees when sitting)

·         Black socks or nylons

·         Black shoes

·         Black Billinghurst Performing Arts T-Shirt.

·         There are a limited number of shoes and pants students may check out from the Clothes Closet.

Parent Information

  
Billinghurst Orchestras Parent Information 
2013-14

Instruments

·         Students do not need to have instruments at school until announced in class.  Likely, Beginning students will need instruments on September 4^th, Intermediate, Advanced and Golden Strings should bring their instruments starting Wednesday, August 29^th for tuning and labeling.  Please make sure ALL instruments have the student’s name somewhere on the case.  Mrs. Neidhold will label instruments with yellow duct tape for easy identification.

·         Please make sure Mrs. Neidhold has measured your student for the correct size instrument before renting or purchasing.

·         We will have an instrument rental night on Tuesday August 20^th from 6 to 8 p.m.  Maytan’s Music Center in conjunction with Music and Arts will have violins, violas and cellos for rent.  Rosin, music stands, and cleaning cloths, etc. should be available also.

·         You may rent or purchase an instrument before this event from any of the local music stores.  Maytan’s, Absolute Music and Sparks Music all carry stringed instruments.

·         Purchase or rent MENC certified instruments only.  Mrs. Neidhold will NOT take class time (or after school time) to fix and adjust non-MENC certified instruments.

·         DO NOT purchase an instrument from Ebay.  Most instruments on Ebay need considerable set-up and adjustment.  I purchased an instrument for $150 and had to spend an additional $200 making it playable.  Please don’t make the same mistake I did!  Also, avoid buying an instrument from pawn shops, discount store and department stores since they usually don’t carry MENC certified instrument. There are many reputable on-line stores for stringed instruments for both rental and purchase.  Please contact Mrs. Neidhold for a list of acceptable companies.

·         Beginning students should wait until after class demonstrations to decide which instrument they want to learn.

·         A limited number of school instruments are available for check out for a fee.  Students must fill out a WCSD rental form and turn in payment (cash, money orders or cashier’s checks only) before an instrument will be assigned to them. 

·         Bass students do not need to rent from a local store.  Billinghurst should have enough instruments for all bass players.  Parents will need to fill out a WCSD Maintenance Agreement and pay the fee.

Miscellaneous

·         The Billinghurst Orchestra Handbook will be passed out to each student next week.  Please take the time to read the handbook with your child and return the forms at the back of the handbook.  Students will receive grades for returning forms throughout the school year.

·         The Vallejo Festival Tour is planned for May 17^th & 18^th.  Tour information will be included in the Orchestra Handbook and additional handouts.  All Intermediate, Advanced and Golden Strings students participate in this event.

I am looking forward to a wonderful school year.  Please contact me with any questions or concerns preferably by e-mail cneidhold@washoeschools.net.  You may also leave a message for me at school, 746-5870.    

Caryn Neidhold, Director Billinghurst Middle School Orchestras