How to Get An Instrument
Instrument quality is critical for the success of the student. Cheap does not mean good and expensive is not necessarily the best. When deciding on the type of instrument to choose there are many factors to consider.
WHAT TYPE OF INSTRUMENT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER?
The instruments that make up the orchestra include the violin, viola, cello, and double bass. Choosing the right instrument can be exciting as you discover what fits your personality and determination. For example…
The violin is the highest voice in the orchestra. It is also the most popular and often considered the most difficult to learn of all of the string instruments. It is suggested that individuals who decide to play the violin are expressive, creative, somewhat introverted, inquisitive and patient.
The viola is the middle voice in the orchestra. While the viola looks like the violin, it is slightly larger and projects a richer and deeper tone than the violin. It is suggested that individuals who like the viola are often perceived as more relaxed and less competitive than violinists, who are sometimes are seen as more driven and prone to high-strung behavior and often considered intelligent and serious.
The cello is the lower voice in the orchestra. It carries a beautiful rich, warm tones and has a human-voice like quality in texture. It is suggested that individuals who choose the cello, are somewhat introverted, emotionally expressive, and reserved.
Finally, the double bass is the lowest voice in the orchestra. It is also the largest instrument in the orchestra. It carries a strong and deep tone, but is also very versatile. The bass is often perceived as intimidating because of it’s size, but offers a wide range of uses, serving as a solo instrument in concertos and chamber music, and contributing significantly to jazz pieces. In orchestral settings, it provides the fundamental bass lines and acts as the harmonic and rhythmic backbone of the orchestra. It is capable of both supporting harmonies and delivering rich melodies.
It is suggested that students who choose to play the double bass are often supportive, extroverted, creative, innovative, independent, calm, and harmonious.
While these are only suggestions, they are not conclusive. Choosing an instrument is a matter of choice and while one may possess many of these generalized personality traits, it is important to hone in on what you and/or your child desires to play and what brings the most joy.
RENT OR BUY?
There are (2) crucial factors to consider when deciding to rent or buy your child’s instrument.
Quality - As I mentioned before, cheap does not mean good and expensive does not mean the best. What matters is the quality and the fit of the instrument. An instrument that is poor quality is detrimental to your child’s development. The beginning stages of development is crucial to your child’s overall success. Instruments that are purchased via online, Amazon, garage sales, and pawn shops have a tendency to be poor in quality and are not recommended.
Size - Before renting or buying an instrument, your student should be sized for the instrument that best fits your child. Ms. Windom-Gatling will size your student at the end of the year and provide you with the information you will need when you rent the instrument. If your student is unable to attend the end-of-year instrument fitting and rental event, the next best thing is to go to a reputable music vendor, such as those listed below, and be measured for the instrument.
Rental
Rental guidelines for 2025-26
VIOLINS & VIOLAS
You will need to rent your instrument from the recommended local vendors listed below or a reputable vendor of your choice. KISD instruments will be prioritized for students who have financial accommodations (i.e. reduced or free lunch programs) and who rented from the district last year.
CELLOS
You will have (2) instruments. You will need to rent a home-based instrument from a local vendor. Based upon availability, a district-owned instrument may be issued for school use only. This will help preserve the instrument from wear and tear, and will make it possible for students to practice at home without having to carry their instruments back and forth.
BASSES
You will have (2) instruments. One instrument will remain at home and other will be rented for school use only. Based upon availability, district-owned instruments may be offered for both home and school used. However, we have limited inventory.
Instrument Rental
2425 W Arkansas Ln, Ste #111
Pantego, Texas. 76013
(817) 460-0345
2425 W Arkansas Ln, Ste E
Pantego, Texas 76013
(817) 460-0345
536 B Keller Parkway
Keller, Tx. 76248
817-337-7900
If you choose to purchase an instrument, please let Ms. Windom-Gatling know before you purchase. There additional resources that may be provided to ensure that you purchase a good quality instrument for your student. However, it is recommended that you wait to purchase an instrument until your student has fully grown. This will ensure that you do not have to purchase another instrument.
As a reminder, instruments that are purchased via online, Amazon, garage sales, and pawn shops have a tendency to be poor in quality and are not recommended. Any instrument that is purchased will need to be approved by Ms. Windom-Gatling.