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PCSD Beginning Orchestra Program
Checklist of Required Musical Materials
- A rented violin, viola, cello or bass: Please do not have your rented instrument “delivered” to school – it is VERY HARD to keep track of.
- Each string on your instrument must have a working fine tuner (4 total).
- This is very important so that our instruments can be tuned quickly and easily to maximize our lesson and rehearsal time.
- Please ask for Wittner “Fine Tune” pegs – cellos only.
- This will aid the teacher in quick tunnings and save wear-and-tear on hands.
- These mechanisms on the bass are called “machines.”
- If the school has enough cellos and basses, cello and bass players may use school instruments for lessons and rehearsals.
- You must rent a cello or bass for individual practice at home.
- Please be advised that school instruments might not be a “proper fit.”
- You will need to bring your rented cello or bass into school the first week of lessons, so that tapes may be put on your fingerboard for proper left-hand finger placement.
- The very best solution is to bring your rented instrument back-and-forth each week for lessons and rehearsals so that it can be kept in tune – just like the violins and violas. If your instrument is out of tune, you will not be able to practice properly.
- Please note: cellos and basses are not allowed on the school bus for safety reasons.
- A sturdy nametag
- A nametag is needed to identify your instrument.
- Fill it out properly and place it securely on your case.
- A bow hold “helper”
- Cyrus pinky holder or
- Stringvision Bowgrip for violins and violas
- Rintara Wada for cellos (optional)
- One “Kun” or “Everest” shoulder-rest to fit your violin or viola
- Shoulder-rests are for violins and violas only. (Make sure to buy the correct size.)
- All shoulder-rests must be carried separately, if there is not a special place in your case.
- All violin and viola players will need a shoulder-rest for proper left-hand technique.
- One folding-wire music stand
- Folding stands are used at home for daily practice.
- Mark your music stand with your name.
- EVERYONE WILL NEED A FOLDING MUSIC STAND.
- Cello & Bass players will need a rock-stop
- Using this device will save wear-and-tear on your hardwood floors at home.
- This is necessary so that your endpin will not slip and insures proper technique.
- “Strap style” for cello and “hockey puck style” for bass
- One cake of rosin
- Violins, violas and cellos will need rosin – (any budget quality is fine!)
- Bass players will need “POPS” rosin.
- A cotton cloth (soft and clean)
- Do not polish or clean your instrument with any type of polish or household cleaner.
- An extra set of strings: violins and violas only