Incoming 5th grade families

we offer four string instruments to choose from:

1. violin - this is the highest, most familiar option many people are aware of from the string family. It often has the melody part in the orchestra

2. viola - looks like a violin, but it slightly bigger with a warmer, deeper sound. It often has the harmony part in the orchestra

3. cello - Is the only string instrument that is always played sitting down. It has a deeper, low register and often has the melody and harmony part in the orchestra

4. bass - the biggest and lowest instrument in the string family. It is like the drums of the orchestra, it drives the rhythm and harmony. 

Why orchestra?

• We offer these 4 instruments (not guitar, piano, or harp)

  • violin

  • viola

  • cello

  • bass

• Get scholarships

  • Plano West Senior High School has been Honor Orchestra of Texas for the past 10 years –Be a part of something AMAZING!

• Best time to start music is in 6th grade!

  • You have the option to start in 7th or 8th, but you are less likely to get to participate in Advanced Orchestra (more fun) and you don’t get to be in a class with your peer group (Most beginner students are 6th graders)

Renting VS Buying

Size will change

Your child is not going to be the same size in 8th grade that they were in 6th grade. I do not recommend BUYING an instrument for your child because 1. your child does not know for sure they want to do this, so save your pennies to invest in a nice instrument once they've worked up to that point, 2. Your child's body will change length and height and their instrument will have to grow with them, 3. Many shops have a rent to own program that will allow you to use money spent towards a rental as a downpayment for an instrument purchase in the future. 

All string instruments come in fraction sizes. This means that you can play any instrument you want, because there is a size that will fit your child. 

You must be sized for an instrument

make an appointment by emailing madison.pruden@pisd.edu

Do not buy from an unverified seller

Many parents will try to save money on instrument rentals by just buying something from amazon, DO NOT DO THIS! You will end up getting a product that is a waste of your money and it will not encourage success in Orchestra for your child. The higher the quality, the more likely your student will be successful and happy in orchestra class. 

Check out this video of Ray Chen, famous soloist, trying amazon violins to understand why you should not do this :)

My favorite Shops around Frankford

Dallas Strings

20 E. McDermott Rd

Allen, TX 75002  

469-675-0085

www.dallasstrings.com

Cadenza Violins

6905 Coit Rd, Suite 100B

Plano, TX 75024 

(469)241-1152

www.cadenzaviolins.com

Music & Arts Centers (2 Locations)        

701 N. Central Expwy #200

Plano, TX   

(972) 424-1317

3211 Preston Rd, #14

Frisco, TX

972-668-1176

www.musicarts.com

Kelin Violin Shop

3321 Premier Dr., Suite B

Plano, TX 75023

www.kelinviolins.com

Brook Mays

6921 Independence Pkwy, Suite 120

Plano, TX 75023

972-618-3222

www.brookmays.com