Orchestra Information for Parents 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.
Getting Your Child Started:
1. Attend the Information Meeting.
2. Have your child attend the first class. I will be doing fittings and consultations in class to determine the appropriate instrument and size of instrument for your child.
3. Obtain an instrument for your child - see below.
4. Do not allow your child to "play with" their instrument, use the bow or let siblings try it.
5. Ask your child to demonstrate what the instructor has taught.
6. Do not expect to hear a song within the first month or so. Learning a bowed string instrument is a step-by-step methodical process, requireing long term self discipline.
Books:
*4th Grade: Essential Elements Book 1 (get the red one, older version)
*5th Grade: Essential Elements and Suzuki book 1 - new or old one.
What you should start seeing/hearing from your child:
4th:
Feet placement procedure
Bow tightening and loosening
"Ready to make bow hold", "shayka, shayka", "sweet spot" with thumb
Shoulder rest on
5th:
Bow hold review, bow arm review
Around the World
French Folk Song
Lightly Row
Review all tunes from last year.
CLASS TIMES
Brush College Orchestra Schedule:
4th grade: Wednesday 8:40-9:20, Thursday 3:30 – 4:10, Friday 8:00-8:40
5th grade: Wednesday 8:00-8:40, Thursday 2:55-3:30, Friday 8:40-9:20
Harritt Orchestra Schedule:
4th Grade: Monday 8:40-9:20, Tuesday 8:40-9:20, Friday 1:05-1:40
5th grade: Monday 8:00-8:40, Tuesday 8:00-8:40, Friday 1:45-2:20
Myers Orchestra Schedule:
4th Grade: Tuesday 2:55 – 3:30, Wednesday 3:30-4:10, Thursday 8:40-9:20
5th grade: Tuesday 3:30-4:10, Thursday 8:00-8:40, Friday 2:55-3:30
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
Problems with purchasing an instrument from Craig's list, IGA shopper, Ebay:
1. The instrument may be 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.
Those $99 instruments usually require an additional $150 in set up and adjustments to make them playable (and they still have a poor sound). Our recommended music stores offer rental programs, quality instruments, adjustments, insurance and upkeep at reasonable prices. We(the string staff) work closely with them so that instruments are set up so students will have the best chance for success. You really do get what you pay for with string instruments.
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 Teka or Glaesel chin rest.
4. Rosin and a cleaning cloth.
5. Case with name tag.
6. Cello and basses - a rock stop or belt.
7. Book: Essential Elements book 1 (the RED one)
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.
