Orpheus String Program Handbook
Dear Parents,
Welcome to our Strings Program!
The program provides 30-minute classes twice weekly during school hours and the fee for the school year is $275.
In the next pages, there are a few important moments about my strings class that I would like to share with you.
Instrument choices, rentals, and purchases.
Your child will be able to choose between three string instruments – violin, viola, and cello. For younger grades, we recommend picking violin versus viola since actual violas are bigger instruments that fit better older students.
To buy or to rent?
It is more reasonable to rent an instrument if your child is in the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade and uses 1/4 or 1/2 instrument sizes. They grow fast and the size usually should be upgraded every year. Once the student is ready for 3/4 size, usually after 4th grade, you could consider purchasing an instrument and we recommend choosing a better quality one because it will be used for 2 – 3 years before switching to a full-size instrument.
Regarding rentals, there are two options:
1. Students are able to rent an instrument straight from our Orpheus Studio. That will include general maintenance: replacing strings, tuning, setting up the bridge, and the sound post.
At our studio, the rent cost is lower than from other sources and the instruments will be delivered directly to the classroom.
We are going to take the child’s size and provide an instrument that fits him/her best. If the student needs to upgrade to a bigger size instrument during the school year, we will provide one as well. No extra payment is needed for that.
Our rental fees are:
1. Violin outfit: $16/month – Violin, Bow, Case
2. Viola outfit: $16/month – Viola, Bow, Case
3. Cello outfit: $23/month – Cello, Bow, Case
You will get a rental agreement/contract and separate payment options straight through our studio before we measure your child in September when we start string classes.
2. If you choose to rent from the store, there is one main store in town:
Music & Arts
1001 Sara Lane
Flowood, MS 39232
Phone – 601-922-1200
Open hours on weekdays – 9:30am to 6:00pm
Saturdays – 10:00am to 5:00pm
To rent monthly from them:
violin – $ 25/mo, viola – $ 25/mo, cello – $ 35/mo
Instrument brands – Yamaha and Knelling.
If you are considering buying an instrument online, here are a few tips.
A. The approximate prices for beginner instruments are: violin – from $139 to $300, viola – $ 250, cello – $ 399
B. What I would recommend NOT to BUY online:
1. Any other color than a regular wood color instrument. Colored (blue, pink, black and etc.) ones usually are a piece of furniture rather than an instrument, especially cheaper ones.
2. A new instrument (especially with lots of accessories) under $100 usually is also bad quality.
C. I have tried and liked better following brands that you could consider checking:
1. Yamaha student violins – their prices are very different but you can find something under $200.
2. If you are looking for a cheaper instrument, especially for those who need a smaller size, 1/2 or 3/4 size, I like Oxford brand or Meadow.
3. Also, online recommends Stentor Student series, Knilling, Cremona, and Handmade Stradivari 1721 copy. I do not know much about Stentor but Knilling brand even has some of our local stores.
You always can go to local stores to check what brands they recommend and then compare prices online.
IMPORTANT – if you buy online, you have to know what size instrument your child needs.
You can contact me or go to a local music store to measure your child. Below are some Size Charts if you prefer to measure your child on your own.
PLEASE, DO NOT BUY BIGGER INSTRUMENT THAN YOUR CHILD NEEDS, ESPECIALLY VIOLIN/VIOLA, and think that they are going to grow in it. THEY ARE GOING TO STRUGGLE TO HOLD IT UP IN THE CORRECT POSITION!
If your child chooses violin or viola, he/she will need a shoulder rest ($20 to $25 online). It needs to match an instrument size! We will send you a link with an appropriate size shoulder rest after we know his/her instrument size! The most comfortable shoulder rest I consider KUN brand or others that are similar.
If he/she chooses a cello, you will need to buy (if not included in the rent) a cello rock stop (about $15 at the store, less than $10 online).
Materials needed for each class
Below is a list of things that your child will need to bring each time to the strings class:
Instrument (violin, viola, or cello)
Shoulder rest for violinists and violists
Stop rock for cellists
Rosin (usually included when you rent or buy an instrument)
Folder/Binder – exclusive for the strings class
!! Students will not be allowed to stay for the class if they forget to bring their instrument a few times in a row, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE START USING THEM REGULARLY after the first few weeks of classes. I have some instruments in my classroom though and I will be happy to borrow mine if the student accidentally forgets one.
Class expectations/responsibilities
Students will be responsible for bringing the materials listed above to every class.
During the first week of classes, your child will be introduced to or reminded how to care for the good maintenance and condition of the instrument. Their responsibility will be to follow those instructions every day and keep the instrument in a safe place.
They also will need to keep all the handouts (their learning materials) in their folders and not lose them.
Finally, like for all regular classes, they will be responsible for preparing their homework.
Curriculum
Besides learning to play an instrument and preparing songs of different styles, students will have an opportunity to learn to read and write the music as well as learn some music history about different composers, famous performers, and orchestras.
As a part of my curriculum, I also expect my students to attend some concerts. All the information about them I am going to include in my regular newsletters.
Learning materials
I will be using learning materials from different books and sources, and students will get handouts during the class.
Communication
Parent communication is very important. Regularly I will send a newsletter with information about what we are learning and what are upcoming events and reminders.
Homework
Besides regular practice at home (they will get a special sheet to record that), sometimes students will get short assignments to compose/write or read something related to our class topic of that week.
Discipline
The string class is very different from regular academic classes. This is usually a fun class for students but it still requires a lot of passion and patience. There will be moments especially for beginner students when I will need to spend a few minutes with each of them to make sure they get the right hand position. And these are the moments that will require from other students silence and patience while waiting.
Also, respect to the teacher and classmates and willingness to follow the instructions as well as full participation in the class are very important to get quick and good results.
Performances
I usually prepare my intermediate/advanced students for two to three performances, and beginners at least for one (in the Spring) concert during the season. That would also include some field trips, especially for more advanced students so they would have more opportunities to perform. There will be a few extra rehearsals closer to the event.
Performance attire – shirt/ long pants/, blouse/ skirt or a dress
Also, I will be sending detailed information closer to the event.
Questions
I am always available to answer questions concerning your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me. My phone number/text messages – is 601-201-8558, email address – office@OrpheusStrings.com
I am looking forward to another great and fun school year and an enjoyable time with your sweet children!!!
Sincerely,
Hristo Hristov
Assistant Principal Violist at Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO)
String Program Director/Teacher at Madison Public Schools at
MES, MUES, MAUE, MCE
Founder and Faculty at Orpheus String Studio
Founder and Member of the Jackson String Quartet
Founder and Director of Mississippi Children’s Music Theater