No student will every be turned away from the M.S. 180 Orchestra!
If renting an instrument is financially difficult, please email Ms. Potteiger to discuss alternative options.
If renting an instrument is financially difficult, please email Ms. Potteiger to discuss alternative options.
purchasing a String instrument
ViolinViolins come in multiple sizes from 1/32 - 4/4. The majority of middle school students play a full-size instrument (4/4) while a few may need a 3/4-size. Ask your orchestra teacher if you are unsure of the correct size.
Student violins range in price from $300 - $2000+. Most quality rental instruments are worth approximately $1000. If you are interested in purchasing, spending less than $300 is not recommended. Required accessories include a shoulder rest, rosin, and a soft cloth for cleaning. CelloCellos come in multiple sizes from 1/32 - 4/4. The majority of middle school students play a full-size instrument (4/4) while a few may need a 3/4-size. Ask your orchestra teacher if you are unsure of the correct size.
Student cellos range in price from $700 - $3000+. Most quality rental instruments are worth approximately $1500. If you are interested in purchasing, spending less than $800 is not recommended. Required accessories include a rock stop, rosin, and a soft cloth for cleaning. |
ViolaViolas come in multiple sizes measured in inches. A 14" viola is equivalent to a 4/4 size violin. The majority of middle school students play a 15" or 15.5" viola. A student with very long arms and fingers might play a 16". Ask your orchestra teacher if you are unsure of the correct size.
Student violas range in price from $300 - $2000+. Most quality rental instruments are worth approximately $1000. If you are interested in purchasing, spending less than $300 is not recommended. Required accessories include a shoulder rest, rosin, and a soft cloth for cleaning. BassBasses come in multiple sizes from 1/32 - 4/4. However, full-size instruments (4/4) are very rare and even most professional bassists play a 3/4-size. Sixth grade students typically play a 1/2-size, though they usually grow into a 3/4-size by eighth grade. Ask your orchestra teacher if you are unsure of the correct size.
Student basses range in price from $2000 - $4000+. Because bass repairs are so costly, many rental companies do not offer bass rentals, though Music & Arts is an exception. M.S. 180 recognizes that renting or purchasing an acoustic bass is cost-prohibitive for most families. An honorarium is offered to bass students to defray the cost. Speak to your orchestra director for more details. Required accessories include a rock stop, rosin, and a soft cloth for cleaning. |
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What to look for
What to avoid
Thank you to our partners in
music education who help to make our program successful: