FAQ

All students will need an instrument, case, bow, rosin, soft cloth, and a spare set of strings. Cello and bass players will need a rock stop, and violin and viola players will need a shoulder rest.

Students in Strings on Wings will need the Sound Innovations Book 1.

See the Orchestra Handbook for more.

Parents are responsible for supplying an instrument and supplies for their student. Strings on Wings Orchestra students also need to purchase a Sound Innovations Book 1. The instrument and supplies can be rented/purchased from a local music store. Rental/purchase prices vary by instrument and store. See a list of stores with contact information here. Some instruments are available for rent from the school. Rental from the school is $50 per semester, $90 for the year if paid up front, and $30 for the summer.

Each class also has a fee associated with it. Strings on Wings, Strings of Steel, and Arconautics are $35 for the year. Phoenix Strings and CSI Strings are $50 for the year, and ELRO is $150 for the year.

You may rent an instrument from the school (limited availability) or from a local music store (see link above). You may not purchase from eBay, Craigslist or pawn shops. I have seen many of these instruments and have never seen an instrument worth buying. A poor quality instrument sets your child up for failure in orchestra as it is very frustrating to be unable to produce a good sound even if doing the technique properly.

Research indicates that students who are involved in instrumental music do better in school than students who do not take instrumental music. Though every student is different, research does indicate that music helps with other academic subjects.

Many parents are concerned about choosing the correct instrument for their child. One thing to remember is that it is the child that is playing the instrument and this is an area where they should have the choice. Many students will choose an instrument because they enjoy the sound of that instrument or because it is the one that has always fascinated them. Students are welcomed to come into the Orchestra classroom anytime to have a chance to investigate all the instruments to help give them an idea of what instrument they want to play. There is also an evening in the spring when Orchestra instruments are introduced and students can experiment playing them. Please do not discourage your child from playing a particular instrument because it is too big. If they enjoy playing you will be much happier when it comes time for practice. Practice time will not become a battle, but rather an opportunity for that child to find enjoyment in the music making process.

Orchestra grades are based on class participation and daily preparedness (students are required to bring pencil, music and instrument daily), tests (both playing and written), practice logs, written assignments, and concerts. See the handbook for details on grade calculation.

There has been a great deal of research done about the affects of music instruction on children. Research indicates that music does help the brain to work faster and as a consequence students do better in school when they have music instruction.

Students do have some after school rehearsals (rarely) and concerts that are part of their grade in Orchestra. The Calendar is where any activities required outside of normal school hours will be listed. Students are also expected to practice at home. Generally, students should practice anywhere from 20 - 30 minutes at a time about 5 days a week. The full practice criteria is found in the Handbook. Only consistent practice will help them to gain the full benefits of instrumental music instruction. A student who does not practice can fall behind, and can result in a student becoming discouraged, and even quitting music altogether.

The collected fees help keep our program running strong. Without the fees a number of opportunities for students would not be readily available. Class fees cover music, transportation, festival fees, etc.

Under the "Class Information" drop down on this website's menu, you can choose your child's specific class. Every week their weekly schedule will be updated with key assignments and topics that will be covered. Students will have access to the specific assignments and more detailed information through their Google Classroom.