Beginning Orchestra
Welcome to ECASD Orchestra!
What is Orchestra?
Middle School Orchestra is a place for students of all abilities who want to play violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp. We play classical music, movie soundtracks, fiddle tunes, folk songs, multicultural music, blues, jazz, and rock. If you love the sound of strings and want to learn a variety of music, join orchestra!
How do I join?
When you register for 6th grade, choose “Orchestra” as your music elective. If you are registered for the wrong music class, please contact the school you will be attending next year.
- DeLong: 715-852-4903
- Northstar: 715-852-5102
- South: 715-852-5202
If you were able to attend one of our beginner meetings, please turn in the paper registration form or complete the online registration form below.
If you missed our beginner meetings, please contact your orchestra teacher for more information.
What happens next?
- We will be contacting you if we cannot accommodate your first choice of instrument or summer lesson time. Otherwise, assume that you will have your first choice!
- In March and April, check out your renting and purchasing options at recommended music stores.
- In May, rent or purchase an instrument. (See below for locations.)
- In June or July, come to summer lessons if you have NO experience or very little! Almost all orchestra students will be at summer lessons.
- School instruments will be checked out at the start of summer lessons to families with financial need.
Orchestra Instrument Choices
Violin: Smallest instrument, highest sound, most familiar, also called fiddle. We need lots of violin players!
Viola: Looks like a violin, but sounds lower. Small and easy to carry.
Cello: Low sound, mellow tone. More expensive to rent.
Bass: Lowest sound, most versatile. Very large! Limited instruments available.
Harp: Very limited instruments available, must take private lessons.
Where to get an instrument:
Local businesses:
Eisenbarth 715-838-0988
http://eisenbarthviolin.com/Rental%20Program.dwt.asp
Eckroth Music 715-514-3139
www.eckroth.com/t-eauclaire.aspx
Offbeats Violins 715-579-3016
http://www.offbeatsviolinstudio.com/sales-and-rentals.html
Schmitt Music 715-832-5564
https://www.schmittmusic.com/stores/eau-claire/
Online businesses:
Johnson String Instrument
https://www.johnsonstring.com/
Shar Music
http://www.sharmusic.com/
Southwest Strings
http://www.swstrings.com/
Stringworks
http://www.stringworks.com/