Why Join Orchestra?
Want to learn something NEW & UNIQUE?
Want to MAKE FRIENDS & FUN MEMORIES?
Want to join an award-winning team and be part of one of the fastest growing programs at RHMS?
JOIN THE RHMS ORCHESTRA!!!
Learn how to play an instrument & read music - NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
Being in Orchestra is much more than just taking a class: it means playing on a team, dedication and practice, and of course making AWESOME music together! There are four different kinds of stringed instruments to choose from in Orchestra (Violin, Viola, Cello, & Double Bass) and the coolest part about Orchestra is that ANYBODY can learn how to play one of these instruments because they come in all sizes!
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ORCHESTRA CLASS DURING YOUR 6TH GRADE YEAR. If you wait until 7th grade, you will be in a class of students a year ahead of you and will have a more difficult time catching up to their level. There are many things to look forward to in Orchestra in high school but you won't be able to start playing an instrument in high school, so NOW is the time to join Orchestra! This might be your only chance to ever try out a string instrument, and you never know what you might be good at or what you might enjoy until you try!!!
Want to MAKE FRIENDS & FUN MEMORIES?
Want to join an award-winning team and be part of one of the fastest growing programs at RHMS?
JOIN THE RHMS ORCHESTRA!!!
Learn how to play an instrument & read music - NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
Being in Orchestra is much more than just taking a class: it means playing on a team, dedication and practice, and of course making AWESOME music together! There are four different kinds of stringed instruments to choose from in Orchestra (Violin, Viola, Cello, & Double Bass) and the coolest part about Orchestra is that ANYBODY can learn how to play one of these instruments because they come in all sizes!
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ORCHESTRA CLASS DURING YOUR 6TH GRADE YEAR. If you wait until 7th grade, you will be in a class of students a year ahead of you and will have a more difficult time catching up to their level. There are many things to look forward to in Orchestra in high school but you won't be able to start playing an instrument in high school, so NOW is the time to join Orchestra! This might be your only chance to ever try out a string instrument, and you never know what you might be good at or what you might enjoy until you try!!!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR INSTRUMENTS
Buy or Rent?
Generally speaking, renting an instrument for the first year or two in the orchestra is better. Unlike wind instruments, stringed instruments are "fitted" to the student. There are many reasons for this. Primarily, the instrument must be playable by that student. Too small or large may result in negative consequences down the road. There are many music retail websites with information; some of these sites are designed to catch you and convince you to purchase an instrument from them. This guide is designed to provide you with a detailed explanation of the pros and cons of renting or purchasing an instrument. If you have any questions, the director is always available to answer those questions.
As with any product, if it seems too good to be true or an unbelievable deal, it is most likely different from what you want to get. For example, there are instruments online (through specific unnamed sites) where you can purchase a “professional violin outfit” for around $100. These are similar to the toy instruments you can purchase at large box stores during holidays. Professional-level violins will range above $3000 and are each one of a kind.
Here are a few tips when looking for an instrument.
As with any product, if it seems too good to be true or an unbelievable deal, it is most likely different from what you want to get. For example, there are instruments online (through specific unnamed sites) where you can purchase a “professional violin outfit” for around $100. These are similar to the toy instruments you can purchase at large box stores during holidays. Professional-level violins will range above $3000 and are each one of a kind.
Here are a few tips when looking for an instrument.
- Go to a local music store; our preferred vendors are Portman’s, BWL Violins, and Music and Arts.
- Rent an instrument for one year. All three of these retailers give discounts for those who rent for 12-13 months each. Portman’s will apply the rental funds towards a purchase, and BWL and Music and Arts will offer discounts on the purchase of an instrument after 12 months.
- Choose a handmade, solid wood instrument. Many mass-produced companies sell ply-wood pressed instruments. These instruments hold up to wear but lack sound and tuning stability (we will get to this later).
- DO NOT PURCHASE UNTIL YOU GET TO A FULL SIZED INSTRUMENT!