Resources for Success

Helpful Band Videos:

Helpful Orchestra Videos:

Virtual Orchestra Room: See How Instruments Look & Sound

Orchestra String Sizing Guide

When renting your child’s cello, viola, or violin, use this size guide to help you pick the right size instrument. To measure, have your child extend their arm and using a tape measure, measure from the where the neck meets the shoulder to the tip of the middle finger.

String Sizing Chart for Sign-Ups

Things to Consider When Choosing an Instrument

Some instruments are heavier and some are lighter:

Lighter instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Violin, Viola
Heavier instruments: Percussion, Saxophone, Euphonium, Trombone, Cello

Some instruments are louder than others:

Quieter instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Cello
Louder instruments: Percussion, Saxophone, Euphonium, Trombone, Trumpet

Some band instruments require deep breathing:

Requires deeper breathing: Flute, Saxophone, Euphonium, Trombone

Some instruments play the melody and others play the harmony or background:

Plays the melody more: Flute, Clarinet, Violin, Trumpet
Plays the background more: Saxophone, Percussion, Euphonium, Trombone, Viola, Cello

Some instruments can be played in many different types of music and groups (orchestra, band, jazz band, pep band, marching band, etc.)

Plays in school orchestras: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Plays in school bands: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone Euphonium, Percussion
Plays in most jazz bands: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Percussion (occasionally clarinet, flute), bass

Tips for Instrument Care & Cleaning

For tips on how to keep your instrument clean without damaging it, click https://nafme.org/covid-19-instrument-cleaning-guidelines /
Do not let other children (including siblings) play the instrument.
Be sure the instrument is returned to its case after practicing.
Don’t drop it.
Keep track of the instrument—do not leave it at school, on the bus, at a friend’s house, in your car, etc.
Don’t wait to get your instrument repaired if there is a problem–you can’t play well on an instrument that isn’t working right! Take it to Austin Music Center as soon as you can.
If your instrument gets damaged (beyond normal wear and tear), immediately let your band/orchestra teacher know. They will contact PING! if a replacement is needed.
When Is It Time to Take Your Band Instrument In for Service?
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Orchestral Strings and Other Tips for Care of Your String Instrument

Tips for Music Lessons and Practicing

Remind your student to arrive for their lesson at school on time. Maybe have them set an alarm on their watch, phone, or iPad.
Leave the instrument and book by the door on the night before the lesson day to make sure they take them to school.
Practicing an instrument is important—like doing homework. Students should begin by practicing 10 minutes a day as a 4^th grader and then gradually add time until they are practicing around 80-100 minutes a week. The more they practice, the better they get and they have more fun with it, which makes them want to keep at it!
Middle-school parents are often expected to review and sign a weekly practice log (just like homework!).
Provide a quiet space and time for practicing. Turn off the TV and radio so your child can concentrate.
Offer encouragement. It might take a while for your child to sound musical!
Attend all school concerts and celebrate their successes!! These are enjoyable evenings for everyone.
Encourage your student to participate in all PING!-sponsored enrichment events. Generally these events have limited enrollment, so it is important to RSVP when you get a notice from PING!.
Enjoy music with your student!