Orchestra

    A special “thank you” is in order for having encouraged your child to take up a string instrument. Participation in orchestra programs and other similar music groups has proven to be extremely beneficial to children in their scholastic learning. Studies show that students who learn a musical instrument strengthen their abilities in other academic areas such as reading and math. Of course, because you child is only a youngster, they probably have not expressed their appreciation to you for your aid and encouragement, but as they grow older they will undoubtedly become aware of the personal joy and satisfaction that music brings. Thank you for opening up this new experience for your child.

How it works
     Here at Bush, orchestra is an elective class offered to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students twice a week for 30 minutes. Students are responsible to make up any class work they miss during orchestra rehearsal. A schedule is included below to help you remember what day your child has orchestra.

Supplies Needed
     There are certain accessories that will greatly accelerate your child’s progress. Some of these may have been furnished with the instrument upon rental or purchase. Among those are the following items:

> Instrument outfit (instrument, bow, case & rosin)
> Book I: Essential Elements for Strings: Book One ($5.50)
> Book II (4th grade) : Concert Tunes for Beginning Stings ($7.00)
> Notebook & Pencils
> Violin & viola only: shoulder rest (a sponge one is fine, $6.00)
Optional, but recommended
> Cello: rock stop (protects floors from the endpin, $5-$10)
> Music stand (for practice at home, folding stands are about $13-$20)

Students will be able to purchase their supplies at most music stores that rent orchestra instruments. It is important that students come prepared to class everyday to ensure success.

Practice
     Practice needs to become a regular part of the daily routine. Practicing a little bit everyday is better than practicing for long periods of time every other day. I recommend at least 4 days a week for 10-15 minutes per day. There are many ways in which you can help encourage your child, thereby helping them to be successful. The first and probably most important way in which you can help is by your positive interest in their accomplishments on the instrument. A word of encouragement goes a long way. A regularly assigned practice time and place which is comfortable and appropriate are also extremely important. Students will receive practice records so that we may track practice habits.

Grading
     Orchestra students receive a quarterly grade. Grades will be based upon
the following:
•Attendance -- Students are marked for being on time to class with all required materials (full instrument outfit, music folder, and a pencil).
•Behavior & Participation -- Since orchestra is a performance based class, participation in all class activities is a key part of the learning process and a major expectation. Every person is important to the group’s performance quality and our collective progress. Any behavior that distracts from or interferes with this learning process will not be tolerated.
•Playing Checks -- Playing checks are a way to show progress that has been achieved throughout the quarter.
•Concerts -- Concerts are a major objective of orchestra and therefore attendance and participation are required. Each student has a great responsibility to fulfill this obligation to the group and its members.

Concerts
     Students perform for the school and their families near the end of the 2nd and 4th quarter. All evening concerts start at 6:30 pm. Students who are participating in the concert are to arrive for warm up at 6:00 pm. Dates for these concerts will be sent home as soon as thet are scheduled as well as reminders as the dates approach.

Commitment
     Participating in orchestra is a year-long commitment. It is important for parents to continually encourage and support their orchestra students throughout the school year. Please let Mr. Canser know if a concern arises ASAP. A phone call or meeting can be arranged to discuss ways to help resolve the concern.