Here is the information about the accessories needed to be  a well-equipped beginner in the Flagler Youth Orchestra.

Method Book

First, your method book. String Builder, Book 1. Be sure to purchase the version for the instrument your child is playing. Here is a link to the book for violin at Amazon.com, but you can also purchase this book from any of the music stores who attend the open house: The Violin Shop, Yancey’s Music, and Music and Arts, or any other online store. It sells for approximately $7. Your goal should be to have this book in hand by the 3rd class.

Shoulder rest for violins/violas

Violin and viola students: you will need a shoulder rest. We recommend the Everest model. Make sure you select the correct size.  Here is a link to the violin shoulder rest at Shar Music, but you can purchase from any of the music stores that attended the open house or any other online store. They are approximately $13 – $21.

Violists, please see Ms. Caren or Cheryl for assistance on purchasing shoulder rests for your instrument. The violin version can work on many sizes of violas, which will save you some money. Your goal is to have this item as soon you as can arrange it.

Renting/purchasing the instrument

If you are in the market to purchase a student level violin, the Franz Hoffmann student level instruments from Shar Music were tested in our program last year with very good results. Shar Music will not be at the open house on September 12, but they have a very convenient online rental program which can be found at this link.  We would be thrilled to have their instruments in our classroom. Be sure to select the correct size and don’t forget to mention the method book above when ordering. A Kun or Everest shoulder rest are best.

Strings

On the matter of the actual strings. They break. Please don’t sweat it. It’s unlikely your child did anything wrong to make it happen. They are usually not an “insured” item on the instrument, so you’ll need to replace them. (They’re like a belt on your vacuum cleaner.) We keep a healthy stock of strings and you’re welcome to purchase one from us. We’ll restring it for you, too. Don’t pay someone to do it! We can take care of it.

Rosin

Rosin is the sticky stuff your child will put on their bow to help create sound. Every child should have a block of it in their case. We sell rosin in our Suite Shop, or you can purchase it from any of the stores on our music store page or online.

If you need to contact any of the music stores from last night, here is a link to the music store page with their contact information. If you have any questions about selecting an instrument, the necessary accessories or anything to do with this learning experience, please do not hesitate to ask. We really want to help each of you along in this process.