Orchestra Information for Parents If you missed the parent orientation meeting, no worries. Your child will need to begin attending class. I will be doing fittings and consultations in class to determine the appropriate instrument and size of instrument for your child. To obtain an instrument see below. 1. Provide an instrument for your child. 2. Provide any required accessories which will help your child succeed. 3. Give your child positive encouragement at home. 4. Provide a quiet space for him/her to practice. 5. Attend all performances. 6. Communicate to the instructor any information that will help him teach to your child. 1. Attend and be on time to each class. 2. Bring the instrument to each class. 3. Demonstrate excellent behavior. 4. Keep up with any classroom school work that may be missed. 5. Attend all performances. 6. Practice at least 4 times per week for 20 minutes. (No practicing until a skill is learned) 6. Give 100 % effort and don’t ever say “I can’t do it”.
Congratulations!! You have made one of the most important decisions for your child. Learning to play an instrument will enhance your child’s life in a very big way. Instrumental music will help your child concentrate better in school, develop coordination, improve time and space relationships, develop a high self esteem, learn team work and achieve long term goals. Students that are involved in music are some of the highest achievers in school. Please join me in getting your child off to the best start possible.
CLASS TIMES
Brush College Orchestra Schedule:
4th grade:
Mondays and Thursdays 7:50am-8:30am
Tuesdays 2:45pm-3:20pm
5th grade:
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7:50am-8:30am
Thursdays 2:45pm-3:20pm (first class is 9-17-09)
Chapman Hill Orchestra Schedule:
4th Grade:
Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:30pm-4:10pm
Fridays 2:55pm-3:30pm (pod)
5th grade:
Tuesdays and Fridays 3:30pm-4:10pm
Wednesdays 2:55pm-3:30pm (first class is 9-16-09)
When is the first 4th grade Orchestra class:
Brush College 4th Grade Orchestra: Thursday, Sept. 17th at 7:50am (Students do not need instruments yet)
Chapman Hill 4th Grade Orchestra: Friday at 2:55pm in the pod (students do not need instruments yet)
Getting an instrument:
1. You may rent an instrument from one of these vendors:
Weathers Music 503-362-8708 www.weathersmusic.com
Uptown Music 503-393-4437 www.uptownmusiconline.com
Henry Strobel Violins 503-749-1742 (Aumsville) www.henrystrobel.com
2. Some parents may wish to purchase an instrument off Craig's list, IGA shopper, Ebay, etc. Here are some possible problems with this:
1. The instrument is too big for your child.
2. It won't come with the correct accessories. (see below)
3. It will not have workable tuners.
4. The string height will make playing it impossible for your child.
5. You will not get the support of a local music store. They work closely with string staff and know what your child needs.
Instruments that cost less than $150 will have one or more of the above issues. Our recommended music stores offer rental programs and quality instruments at competitive prices. We(the string staff) work closely with them so that instruments are set up so students will have the best chance for success.
Accessories your child will need:
1. A wood bow with real horse hair.
2. A Kun shoulder rest(violins and violas only). For most students this works well, some students require a different model, we will inform them after the fitting.
3. A cleaning cloth.
4. Rosin.
5. Case with name tag.
6. Cello and basses - a rock stop or belt.
Parent Expectations
Student Expectations
Teacher Expectations
1. Insist that each child has the right equipment to succeed.
2. Communicate with parents for maximum support.
3. Provide the best environment possible for students to learn.
4. Pace the class so that each child will experience success.
