4th Grade Orchestra

***Paper copies should be in your 4th grader's Family Conference information.  You can fill out either the paper copy or the online form  linked below. (recommended).  You do not need to fill out both.***

You now have the opportunity to play in the Northfield 4th Grade Orchestra! Playing in the orchestra is an opportunity to make music with your classmates, learn to play a string instrument, and perform in a few concerts during the year (concerts currently on hold for this year).

You can choose from 4 string instruments this year:

Violin…the smallest instrument and the one that plays the highest notes

Viola…a little bigger and plays a little bit deeper but still played on shoulder

Cello…an even deeper sound and you sit to play (Cannot go on the school bus)

Bass...very low and so big that you stand up to play  (Cannot go on the school bus)

If you want a quick reminder of the different instruments, check out this video I made  about the instruments:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOzPy-hYg54.   

Please read the details and expectations below.  If you would like to sign up for orchestra, please fill out this form by Friday, September 5th.  Link to Online Form

For any questions, please contact Mrs. Kruger at nkruger@northfieldschools.org, or visit my school website: https://sites.google.com/a/northfieldschools.org/kruger/home.   

Expectations for students:

*Come to 1 morning rehearsal per week before school with your instrument, String Basics, book 1 (by Jeremy Woolstenhulme and Terry Shade), other orchestra music, and a pencil.

*Come to 1 lesson during the school day per week with your instrument, String Basics Book 1, other orchestra music, and a pencil.

*Practice 4-5 times per week, 10-15 minutes each time, at home between lessons.  Without this practice time, you will not make adequate progress.

*Protect and care for your instrument.

*Have fun and enjoy making music with others!!!

Expectations for parents:

*Support your child’s practice time and music-making.  Learning an instrument can be very exciting, but also comes with challenges that are difficult to overcome without parental support.  

*Provide transportation to morning rehearsals at school once per week.

*Attend concerts!  Students will perform in at least 3 concerts per year.  You will receive adequate notice of these and additional performance opportunities.

Students/Families are responsible for providing their own instrument and method book.  We will use String Basics Book 1  (by Terry Shade and Jeremy Woolstenhulme), pictured below is the violin cover.  Viola, Cello, and Bass books look very similar.   I will provide contact information for local and metro dealers (some are on my website).  A small inventory of instruments is also available through the school district on a financial need basis, please contact Mrs. Kruger as soon as possible to be considered for a school instrument.  

Once registrations are received, I will meet with students to size them for instruments and send home another informational letter that includes rental store information.  Please wait to get an instrument until your child has been sized.