Please look at the frequently asked elementary orchestra questions below. If your question is
not here, you can email or call me: kcovill@psd267.wednet.edu or 334-3411 ext. 369.
- What do I do if I cannot afford to rent an instrument for my child?
- Where do I go to rent an instrument for my child?
- What else does my child need for orchestra?
- My child cannot read music. Is that a problem?
- What day(s) will my child have orchestra?
- How do I register my child for elementary orchestra?
- I saw an instrument for $100 on ebay. Should I buy it?
What do I do if I cannot afford to rent an instrument for my child?
Call or email Mrs. Covill: 334-3411 ext. 369 or
kcovill@psd267.wednet.edu. On the first day of elementary
orchestra, I will measure your child to see which size instrument
he/she needs. Then, I will go back to my instrument storage and
see if I have the appropriate size. Instruments are rented out
on a first-come, first-served basis, provided I have the
appropriate size. School district instruments cost $50 per
semester (non-refundable) to rent.
Where do I go to rent an instrument for my child?
Locally, Atom Heart in Pullman or Keeney Brother's in Moscow have
great rental programs. They also have the various sizes of
instruments in stock. Both stores can also sell you the book we
need for class.
What else does my child need for orchestra?
All violin and viola students need a shoulder rest and all cello
students need an endpin holder. These can be purchased at the
local music shops.
For beginning orchestra, students need the book, "Introduction to
Artistry in Strings" and a 1" binder with at least 10 sheet
protectors. Students will also need a pencil in class.
For advanced orchestra, students need the book, "String Explorer"
volume 1 and a 1" binder with at least 10 sheet protectors.
Students will also need a pencil in class.
My child cannot read music. Is that a problem?
I will teach your child to read music! Beginners do not need any
previous experience to be in our class.
What day(s) will my child have orchestra?
Please look at the "schedule" link for the days and times your
child will have class.
How do I register my child for elementary orchestra?
The back page of the orchestra newsletter that your child
received is the "registration" form. Please fill out that form
and send it with your student on his or her first orchestra day.
Please do not give the form to your child's regular classroom
teacher or to his or her general music teacher.
I saw an instrument for $100 on ebay. Should I buy it?
NO. I would not buy an instrument on ebay, as it will probably
be of low quality and most likely will not be playable. Usually,
these instruments need major repairs to make them playable, and
you will spend more than what you paid for the instrument. If
you would like to buy an instrument rather than renting one, and
you know what size instrument your child needs, go to either
www.swstrings.com or www.sharmusic.com. (Southwest strings and
Shar, respectively.) They are music instrument dealers, and
offer budget level instruments (starting at $125) that will
actually play, as opposed to the instruments you may find on a
site such as ebay.