Frequently asked questions :
What are the instrument choices for orchestra?
Violin - The highest sounding and smallest in the string family
Viola - Similar to the violin, but has a lower range and deeper sound. The "alto" voice of the orchestra
Cello - Played sitting down, the cello has a timbre closest to the human voice
Bass - The largest of the string family. Basses sound the lowest and are played standing or sitting on a stool
What's the cost of joining orchestra?
Orchestra is free!
- Instrument Rental and Instrument Accessories (included) : Most local instrument shops operate on a 100% rent-to-own basis. The school provides as many instruments to students as possible.
- Students will need a music stand for home practice. The school can provide one if needed.
- Orchestra t-shirt (optional, depending on school/program)
What is the time commitment?
Orchestra meets during the school day as a scheduled period. We have 3-4 required concerts per year as well as optional events.
Students are expected to practice their instrument in order to be as prepared as possible for class and performances. Students can practice at school during Assist periods or at home.
How should my student choose?
People are often naturally drawn to certain timbers and ranges, so the one your student likes best should be the one he or she chooses. If a student likes the sound of the instrument, he or she is more likely to be successful.
Do we have to buy an instrument?
NO! We actually prefer you rent first. String instruments are unique because they come in different sizes to accommodate students of differing heights, arm length, and hand size. We advise that you rent an instrument through a STRING INSTRUMENT SPECIALTY STORE and wait until your student is fully grown before making a purchase. Many string specialty stores offer rent-to-own programs where 100% of your rental is put toward the eventual purchase of an instrument.
Where should we rent a string instrument?
We highly suggest a string specialty store like - The Loft Violin Shop in Clintonville (http://www.theloftviolinshop.com/); Baroque Violin Shop in Cincinnati (http://www.baroqueviolinshop.com/) or Music and Arts in Westerville.
These shops deal only in string instruments and have the knowledge and skill to successfully service and repair these instruments.
What about instruments from Craigslist, Ebay, etc?
PLEASE DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT FROM THE INTERNET. Private sellers can offer little in the way of quality control or repair services. Often times, there are considerable issues with these instruments that negatively affect a student's playing and potential for success. In the end, these instruments end up costing more in repair, return costs, and time than a quality rental.
My child is small. Can they still play bass or cello? What about getting the instrument back and forth to school?
Absolutely! String instruments come in all sizes to accommodate musicians of all sizes. The Worthington Orchestras provide school instruments for cellists and bassists, so they do not need to carry instruments back and forth on the busses. Each cellist and bassist will rent an instrument to keep at home. There is no fee to use school cellos and basses.
What else do we need?
All 6th Grade Orchestra Students need an instrument, bow, and a folding stand for practice at home. Cellists and basses need a rock-stop or strap to hold the endpin, and violinists and violists need a shoulder rest to stabilize the instrument. These materials are included in most rental packages.
Is the violin the same thing as a fiddle?
Technically, yes. The body of the instrument and the technique required to play classical and alternative styles of music such as fiddling are the same. The only difference is the type of music played on the instrument. If your student keeps practicing, he or she will be able to play Charlie Daniels in no time.
Please feel free to contact us at any time. E-mail is best as we travel between schools.