Important+Info

**Concert Dress** Students wear black bottoms and our t-shirts to evening concerts. Black shoes look best as well. We will wear this for all concerts unless you are notified of changes for a specific concert or event.

Report time for concerts is usually 30 minutes prior to the performance. This is to allow time for tuning instruments and warm-up.
 * Report Times**

Practice assignments will be given most weeks. You will be given a practice guide to complete and turn in. After 5 turned in practice assignments you will be able to choose something from the prize bag.
 * Practice Suggestions**

Most elementary students are not ready for a full-sized instrument. Fractional sizes are available for rent through local violin shops. Once you reach a full-size instrument, you can choose to purchase an instrument or continue renting. Most shops have a step-up program to allow you to purchase better instruments as you advance. Purchasing from Ebay or any non-specialty shop can be quite risky...the quality of the instrument suffers and it becomes difficult to tune and play which just results in frustration! New string players find the greatest success when they have good quality, appropriately sized instruments.
 * Instruments and Supplies**

Supplies for rentals are often included in the rental fee. This includes strings, rosin, and sometimes a shoulder rest (for violins and violas) or a roc stop (cello and bass). Students who own their instrument need these supplies as well. There are a few online retailers (check the links page!) to try, as well as the local violin shops.

All instruments need repair from time to time. Most rental plans cover general maintenance of the instrument. Contact Mrs. Cox for repair questions...some can be done in class!