Rockwall High School Orchestra
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  • JOIN ORCHESTRA!
    • How to Join
    • Instrument Choices
    • Obtaining an Instrument
    • Orchestra FAQs
  • Home
  • About
    • Directors
    • Private Lessons
    • Important Information
    • Instruments >
      • All About Instruments
      • Instrument Care
      • Purchasing
      • Local Music Stores
    • Photos >
      • Photos 22-23
      • Photos 21-22
      • Photos 20-21
      • Photos 19-20
  • HundredX
  • Seniors
    • 2024 Senior Ads
    • Past Senior Ads
  • Events
    • Concerts >
      • Concerts
      • Concert etiquette
      • Past Concert Programs
    • Dallas Symphony Orchestra
    • UIL
    • Orchestra Banquet
    • Spirit Nights
    • Spring Trip
  • Support
    • Boosters
    • Sponsors
    • Kroger & Tom Thumb
  • Williams Middle School
    • WMS Orchestras
    • WMS Directors
  • Utley Middle School
    • UMS Orchestras
    • UMS Directors
  • JOIN ORCHESTRA!
    • How to Join
    • Instrument Choices
    • Obtaining an Instrument
    • Orchestra FAQs

Instruments & Supplies

On this page you will find:
  1. the benefits of renting or purchasing an instrument
  2. what not to purchase when buying an instrument
  3. local rental stores
  4. a general supply list for 6th grade and middle school students 
  5. how to go about purchasing an instrument

Renting vs Purchasing

One of the first questions we get is, do I have to or should I purchase my child's instrument?

Many parents opt for renting an instrument, with the logic being that their child may eventually lose interest in the instrument. Others are concerned that their child will grow out of the instrument, and that constantly upgrading to larger sizes will get expensive over time. Although purchasing an instrument comes with a variety of benefits, renting an instrument tends to be the better option for those who are new to the instrument. 

Typically, there are four instances where renting an instrument makes more sense:
  • Your child is young/still growing and does not have a full size instrument
  • The manufacturer or seller provides credits for upgrades in size or on future purchases
  • Your child is uncertain about which instrument they want to play
  • The instrument retailer offers rent-to-own programs as a part of their offerings.
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If you find yourself in the first situation and are thinking about purchasing a too large instrument that your child can grow into- don’t. This is a huge mistake that can actually hinder your child’s progress and enjoyment of the instrument. Not only does it make playing difficult and uncomfortable, but playing an instrument that’s too large can actually lead to dangerous physical injuries. In these cases, the best solution would be to rent an instrument until your child is physically ready for a full-size instrument or is done growing and will not require a larger instrument later. Similarly, if the seller provides discounts or other cost-saving initiatives for upgrades or future purchases, renting an instrument and upgrading wouldn’t be as much of a financial risk as purchasing a student-sized instrument and upgrading later.
​
Do NOT purchase anything off the internet. In our combined years of teaching, we have NEVER met an instrument purchased online that is playable. You spend more money to repair the instrument than what it is worth. Trust us on this one! 
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Music Shops providing Rentals and Supplies

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​Brook Mays

5756 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75240
972-233-9633
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Cadenza Violins

6905 Coit Road
Suite #100b
Plano, Texas 75024
469-241-1152
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Caraway Strings

209A West Main Street
Richardson, Texas 75081
469-329-1040

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Dallas Strings

20 East McDermott Road
Allen, Texas75002
469-675-0085
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Music & Arts

5435 N Garland Avenue
Suite 150
Garland, Texas 75040
972-530-9083
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The Music Shop 

457 E Interstate 30
Rockwall, Texas 75087
972-722-8406

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Wayne Burak & Associates, Inc

Arlington, Texas
​(817) 801-6700
Brook Mays, Dallas Strings and Music & Arts deliver supplies, make repairs and swtich out new instruments at our schools.  When services are required, please call their representative and they will make arrangements for your individual needs.

Rockwall ISD does not endorse any rental company or music store.  Please review all company contracts prior to entering an agreement with any company.

Read the contract carefully. Make sure you understand the terms. Many agreements are monthly, but some go by semester or require a minimum initial period. Summer rental is usually an additional cost. Figure out whether the fee includes string replacement or repairs. Determine whether the rental package includes such extras as shoulder rests and rosin.

And inspect the instrument itself.  If you notice scratches, seams coming unglued or other issues when renting, make sure it is well documented on the rental contract so you don’t get blamed for these when returning the instrument. 

​One sign of a promising shop is the presence of a dedicated worshop with a Luthier.

Orchestra Supply List

All orchestra students should acquire the following materials before school starts in the fall.  Other supplies may be required throughout the year depending upon your student's particular orchestra and needs.
  • Instrument of Natural wood colors (with case and bow) 
  • Essential Elements for Strings Book 1 (6th Grade) 
  • Essential Elements for Strings Book 2 (7th Grade)
  • 'Everest' Shoulder Rest (for Violins & Violas)
  • 'Slipstop'/Rockstop (for Cellos & Basses)
  • Rosin
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • Korg Clip-on Tuner
  • Folding Music Stand (for home use)
  • Pencil
  • Highlighter 

Purchasing an Instrument

If your child has been renting an instrument for a few years and has proven their dedication to the instrument, purchasing them their own instrument might make sense. Purchasing an instrument is also a good investment. When properly cared for and maintained, a stringed instrument can last for several lifetimes and can be handed down from generation to generation. In some cases, stringed instruments can actually increase in value over time. Purchasing an instrument is also a great lesson in responsibility. If your child already demonstrates responsibility and you’re ready to take it to the next level, an instrument will give your child something to be proud of and take care of on their own.  Purchasing any instrument is an investment in your child’s future, and the decision shouldn’t be rushed. Take your time and consult your child’s teacher for advice.

  1. Start at the company you have been renting from. Depending on the company you used, some of your rental money may be used towards the purchase of an instrument! Call and ask if such an agreement exists and how much money you have acrued toward a new instrument.   Ask to schedule an appointment to look at some instruments. 
  2. Before you go to your appointment, talk to your child's orchestra teacher or private lesson teacher to help determine an appropriate level instrument and a reasonable pricing range. 
  3. Try lots of instruments in your price range.  Don’t forget you will need to budget separately for the instruments bow.  It is better to spend less on an instrument and put some money towards a nice bow. 
  4. Have your child bring music with them to the appointment. The best thing to play is a 2 octave scale that starts on their lowest string. Play the same scale on every instrument you are trying…you’ll start to notice a difference in sound as you move up in price. When you’ve narrowed your choice down to two or three instruments you like, ask to borrow them for a few weeks.​ Take them home with you. (This is standard practice,however, you will probably be asked to put a credit card on file.) Once you have your instruments, have your orchestra director and private lesson teacher evaluate the instruments you have selected. 

If you have ANY questions during this fun (and sometimes overwhelming time), please ask! We are here to help! 
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