Welcome to the
Summer Orchestra
Page!
Be a part of the Orchestra at Vista Heights!
Take Summer Strings!
Summer Strings is a two-week-long camp designed to help students who are brand new to string playing get a head-start on the school year. It is a great way to begin your journey as string players and musicians! We also have classes for Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras as well! Check out the links below for schedule, registration, and rental information.
Summer Strings Schedule:
June 6-20th, 2018 (M-F) at Vista Heights Middle School
Please register for the class you will be taking NEXT SCHOOL YEAR!
Class times are as follows:
Beginning Orchestra 8-9:30
Cadet Orchestra 9:30-11
Intermediate Orchestra 11-12:30
Advanced/Chamber Orchestra 12:30-2
Registration Info:
Cost for Summer Strings: $50
Pay online by clicking here!
***Summer Orchestra is under the “public payments” option***
Registration is easy! Simply fill out the online form!
What do you need for Orchestra?
One thing that you will need to make sure of is to get a quality instrument. Nothing will make your orchestra experience bad faster than a poor instrument. I strongly recommend going to one of our local music stores (listed below) and getting your instrument there. You will get a quality instrument in good working condition. If you choose other venues, be very careful. While I understand the thought of going with the cheapest instrument possible at first, please know that when you go super cheap…you get super cheap. Those $100 new instruments are nearly unplayable, and will make your experience in orchestra very frustrating! Please check with me on brand names before you purchase. If you get something like Cecilio, Cremona, or Mendini you are getting a very poor instrument that will cause immense frustration.
Please, please, please, do not get these brands!!! If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Braithwaite! abraithwaite@alpinedistrict.org
ALL INSTRUMENTS MUST BE WOOD-COLORED!!!
Violins and Violas:
*Instrument (see rental information below)
*Rosin (I recommend Gustave Bernardel, available online at sharmusic.com, or at your local music store)
*Shoulder Rest (I recommend “Everest” brand shoulder rests- available online at sharmusic.com, or at your local music store)
*Dry cloth for wiping off strings and instrument after each rehearsal or practice session
Cellos and Bass:
*Instrument (see rental information below- I have basses for rent through Vista Heights, email Mrs. Braithwaite @ abraithwaite@alpinedistrict.org for more information)
*Rosin (I recommend Gustave Bernardel for Cello, Pops Rosin for Bass- available online at sharmusic.com, or at your local music store)
*Rock Stop for Bass (available online at sharmusic.com, or at your local music store)
*Cello Strap for Cello (available online at sharmusic.com, or at your local music store)
*Dry cloth for wiping off strings and instrument after each rehearsal or practice session
*Music and Workbooks will be provided for you!*
Instrument Rentals:
***Note: If you play Bass, Viola, or Cello, VHMS has a limited number of instruments available for rent. These will be rented on a first-come basis, so talk to Mrs. Braithwaite about availability and other rental information. Otherwise you will need to rent from one of the local music stores or purchase your instrument elsewhere. Please be aware that the quality of instrument you play will directly affect the success you have in orchestra. Paying a little more for an instrument might make it a lot easier to play, and more fun!
Instruments are available to rent or purchase through the following retailers:
Summerhays in Orem has a new online rental agreement process that is really slick. If you want to go through the rental process without driving all the way to Orem, this is an outstanding option! Click on the Summerhays logo above to link to their rental site. If you have questions, please feel free to call the store! 801-226-1760
Bert Murdock Music in Orem has a new online rental agreement process that is really slick. If you want to go through the rental process without driving all the way to Orem, this is an outstanding option! Click on the Bert Murdock logo above to link to their rental site. If you have questions, please feel free to call the store!
Charles Liu Fine Violins is located in Midvale, and offers fantastic instruments for all price ranges and ability levels. He offers rent-to-own programs in addition to his rental and purchase options. Charles Liu is a renowned luthier, and has a wide selection of quality instruments to choose from!
Adam Day Violins in Murray is THE BEST place to purchase your violin, viola, or cello! His set-up process ensures an exact fit between your sound post, instrument body, and bridge, allowing for the best possible sound from your string instrument at affordable, fair prices! Adam Day violins also come with bi-yearly sound checks and an amazing trade-up program. You will not find better quality anywhere else!
Online options for purchasing an instrument or accessories:
