What is needed for Orchestra

1. Instrument 

• At the beginning of each year we hold an instrument fitting.  During this time your child will be fitted to the appropriate sized instrument to learn on.  We  recommend that each year you resize instruments
• If you are unable to attended one of the instrument fitting nights, we recommend you visit BWL Violins or Portman's Music in Savannah to be fitted.  Their addresses can be find on the links page.  All you need to do is state that you are from Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra and they will take care of you.
• School instruments are limited and on a first come, first serve basis.  We always offer these instruments to 6th grade, then 7th, and then 8th grade.  
• AVOID PURCHASING FROM AMAZON!  THE DEALS LOOK GREAT AND THE VERBIAGE SEEMS REAL BUT THE QUALITY IS EQUIVALENT TO THE PRICE!

2. Step-up instruments

• As your student begins 7th and 8th grade, you may want to consider a step-up (intermediate) instrument.  Especially if your child wants to continue into high school.  All of the companies we recommend renting offers discounts if you have been renting from them to purchase these step-up instruments.  Again, please avoid purchasing online without consulting Mr. Mock.

3. Accessories (supplied by student)

• If you are renting an instrument from one of our recommend music stores, we recommend you purchase an accessory bundle.  In most cases, you will also need to purchase a shoulder rest to go along (we recommend "Everest" brand).  
• Required accessories include; rosin, shoulder rest, cleaning cloth, metronome, and a tuner.   
• If you are renting a school instrument, you will still need to have these accessories.  Accessories can be purchased in a pack through Portman's and Music and Arts.

4. Method Books (supplied by student, see below)

• If you are renting from one of our recommended music companies, then the book will come with your instrument's care package.  
• All 6th graders will use String Basics Book 1 ($12.95).  You can order these books through the music stores and Amazon.
• All 7th graders will use String Basics Book 2 ($12.95)
• All 8th graders will use Habits of a Successful Middle Level String Musician by Christopher Selbey and Scott Rush ($12.95)

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5. Other Classroom Items

• Black 1 inch 3-ring Binder ("D" ring recommended)
• Sheet protectors
• Notebook Paper
• Pencil

                                                     6th/7th Grade Book                                                                                                                              7th/8th Grade Book