6th Grade Orchestra Instrument Selection and Information
First day to bring materials: 9/12/12
Congratulations! Your child has been selected to play CELLO. Here are
some details regarding necessary equipment for the cello as well as a listing
of places to obtain this equipment.
Students will either rent a cello for home practice or will be required to come
practice every B-Day morning in the orchestra room. Students do NOT carry
instruments back and forth from home to school. The school does NOT provide instruments for
home practice. Students ARE still required to turn in practice records, regardless of whether
they have an instrument at home or not.
What the school provides for use during CLASS TIME ONLY:

An instrument

A bow
Other items you will need:

Method Book—Essential Elements 2000 for Strings, Book 1-Cello; Authors: Michael
Allen, Pamela Tellejohn Hayes, Robert Gillespie; ISBN: 9780634038174; this book has an
orange cover—make sure you get the correct instrument

Rosin—this comes in a block or plastic case and needs to stay in your
case. Rosin helps to make the bow “sticky” to make sound as you draw it
across the instrument. This is an item that might need replacement during
the year. I suggest keeping it in a baggy in case in breaks.

Cleaning cloth—your instrument needs to be wiped down
every day to remove rosin residue and the oils our fingers
naturally leave on the instrument.

Cello end pin rest—Cellos are supported by a pin that extends out of the bottom of the
instrument; this pin tends to slip, therefore cellists must use an end pin rest to stop the
instrument from slipping. There are several different kinds, from rubber discs, to “rock
stops” to belts, as pictured here. I find that the belt works the best for cellos because it
won’t slip if the floor is dusty or dirty whereas the other rests can. Please write your
name on your end pin rest before you bring it to school. Again, these are small enough
to be kept in your binder.

1 or 1 1/2” BLACK binder—you will keep all of your music, worksheets, and other
handouts in your orchestra binder. Must be black, and specifically dedicated to
orchestra.

10-15 clear sheet protectors—these go in your black binder and keep your music
protected.

Pencil—every good musician ALWAYS has a pencil. Get one to keep in your binder,
specifically for orchestra.

Southwest Middle School Orchestra polo shirt—available
for order through Orchestra Boosters. This shirt is part of your
“orchestra uniform” for any performances, events, or field trips we
might attend. Proper concert attire will be discussed with students.
Suggested items:
These items are not necessary for a successful orchestra career, but will provide a more enhanced playing
experience.

Music stand—A folding music stand allows you to practice with
correct posture.

Fun music books—there are many “popular” kinds of books created
for young players; this is a way to practice some other fun music
outside of class while still working on the same fundamentals we
learn in class.

Metronome and tuner—A metronome helps keep a steady beat and
a tuner helps visually tell the player whether notes are “in-tune” or not. The tuner,
especially, is helpful for young players. Many models are available as a “two-in-one.”

Private lessons—Class instruction is important in your child’s musical development,
but private lessons are also strongly encouraged. Private lessons allow students to get
individual, one-on-one time with a teacher outside of school, to help strengthen and
reinforce what is being taught in class. A listing of teachers in the area can be provided
if requested.
Where to go to get your instrument and what to look for
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE review the information previously sent home about where to obtain
an instrument. Stay away from online auction sites and pawn shops. I describe a “reputable
dealer” as one with certified and trained repair technicians located at the shop.
I highly recommend renting or renting-to-own your instrument. I also highly recommend
rental insurance. Students should treat their instruments as they would a newborn baby, but
accidents do happen from time to time that are beyond a simple fix. Rental insurance usually
provides for necessary repairs and also provides a “loaner” instrument if it’s going to take a few
days for repair. Sometimes this is included in the cost of renting, sometimes it is not.
Also, it is good to keep in mind that these are beginning instruments and as your child
improves, you may wish to invest in a higher quality instrument. Some music dealers have
“trade-in” programs for such a situation; please ask!
Here is a listing of music dealers in the area who offer both string instrument rentals and
equipment. This is only meant to be used as a guide; please research to find which company
and/or plan would best suit your needs!

The Violin Shoppe
2112 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204-3433 (704) 373-0551 theviolinshoppe.net

Davidson Violins (formerly All Strings Attached - NC)
416-C South Main Street, Davidson, NC 28036 (866) 291-0321 davidsonviolins.com

Music & Arts
Arboretum Shopping Center 8046 Providence Rd # C, Charlotte, NC 28277-9715 (704)
341-0000 musicarts.com

Music & Arts
The Shoppes At University Place 9015 J.M. Keynes Dr Charlotte, NC 28262-8411(704)5471616 musicarts.com

Music & Arts
Rosedale Commons Shopping Center 9931 Rose Commons Dr Bldg 600 Ste B
Huntersville, NC 28078-0326 (704)992-0225 musicarts.com

Howren Music and Sound
328 Pineville-Matthews Road (Hwy 51), Charlotte, NC 28226 (704) 541-1798
howremusic.net

Howren Music and Sound
4209 Park Road Shopping Center Charlotte, NC 28209 704-525-5073 howremusic.net

Woody's Music
946 Charlotte Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29730 (803) 324-9663 woodysmusic.com

ONLINE RESOURCE SHAR Music http://www.sharmusic.com/ (This is a string
instrument-only website that offers help and products; they are very helpful if you call
with questions! A great place to order the smaller items.)
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Ms. Wright at kristene.wright@cms.k12.nc.us!!!