All fifth grade students interested in learning to play a string instrument are invited to participate in the Orchestra program. This beginning Orchestra experience is more than an activity! It is the initial year of a program that continues through senior high school. Learning to play an instrument can be rewarding, satisfying, and fun, but it also requires dedication and patience. Success will come more readily to those students and families making a commitment to learning this new skill. Your investment of time, effort, encouragement, and support can develop into a life-long avocation.

The major goal of the fifth grade Orchestra experience is to build techniques and basic skills. This is accomplished through the weekly lesson program. Students are combined in small groups like instruments that meet approximately 30 minutes. Lessons are scheduled during the school day and provided free of charge. 

Tone Production

Proper bow technique. Proper left hand placement and position. Posture.

Holding the Instrument

Finger and hand positions. Posture.

Music Reading

Letter names of staff and notes. Key signatures. Fingerings. Positions. Time signatures. Note values and counting. Musical terms.

Instrument Care

Preventive maintenance of instrument and bow. 

Group Dynamics

Cooperative behavior. Personal contributions and responsibilities. Preparation of music. 

Progress Reports

Achievement on the skills and concepts learned in orchestra will be reported as part of the student's regular progress/report card in December, March, and June. 

Beginning 5th grade students will present two concerts during the year. For the first concert, the 5th grade Orchestra is divided into two groups for a demonstration concert in mid-winter. This concert is very important, and your help in providing transportation for your child is greatly appreciated. More information will be sent home with the students closer to concert date.

In the spring, the 5th grade groups perform their second concert. In preparation for this concert, students will have one after school rehearsal. Attendance at this rehearsal is expected. 

Birch Grove students in grades 3 and 4 as well as 5th graders who are advanced, will have their own concerts separate from the district which will be held at Birch Grove.  Birch Grove students who are beginners (first year in orchestra) in 5th grade will participate with the District Wide events.  

For specific dates and times, please click here to go to Important Dates .  We suggest you place these dates on your calendar right away.  

Almost every student can be fitted to the instrument of his or her choice due to the wide range of sizes that are available. Additional consideration, however, should be taken by those students selecting the string bass.

Basses are not allowed on the district school buses so, while in elementary school, parents are asked to provide transportation to and from school for each weekly lesson. 

Please check out the page Getting an Instrument for more information about sizing and obtaining an instrument.  

Occasionally an instrument will not operate properly and will need repair. If that should happen, show it to your director as soon as possible.   Please send your teacher an email right away to ask for help with the instrument.  We will schedule a time to meet with you as promptly as we can. 

Student-owned instruments may need to be taken to a local instrument repair shop.  As soon you have shown your teacher the problem, or if it is an obvious repair need, please take it to the repair shop at your earliest convenience. This will keep the loss of playing time to a minimum. 

Violin - The violin is the string family's highest voice and perhaps the most widely recognized member of the Orchestra. It's high pitched, beautiful tone is often used as the lead or solo instrument, particularly in music demanding fast passages. 

ISD 279 does not have any violins for rent, so the students will need to rent an instrument from a music store. 

Viola - The viola is slightly larger and tuned differently than the violin, although both are played under the chin. The mellow, rich tones of the viola provide the alto voice of the string family. It plays a vital role in string ensembles and quartets.

ISD 279 has a limited number of violas available for students who submit and qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. 

Cello - The cello is the tenor voice of the string family. It is tuned an octave lower than the viola, and produces both deep low tones and subdued higher tones. The cello is supported on the floor by an end pin, while the seated performer steadies the instrument with his or her knees.

ISD 279 has a limited number of cellos available for students who submit and qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. 

Bass - The string family's largest instrument is the string/double bass. It provides the foundation of the Orchestra. The deep voice of the bass can serve as either the rhythmic accompaniment or solo instrument.

ISD 279 has basses available for rent through the district for most students.

We will be doing interviews in the week following the parent registration meeting.  Students will have an opportunity to try the string instruments. You can also find more information about the instruments by checking out the  Meet the Instruments page.  Another great idea is to spend some time on YouTube looking at videos of the instruments your child is considering.  Listen for the types of music that instrument plays and the sounds it makes.  Pick the instrument you like the sound of best and will be the most excited about practicing.  

For Sizing Information

Go to Getting an Instrument 

School Owned Instruments

The district owns a limited number of VIOLAS, CELLOS, and BASSES. 

• If you would like to request the use of a district viola, cello or bass at no cost, you must apply AND qualify for the Educational Benefits program.  The web site for the federal program is:  https://district279.epaytrak.com/login.aspx OR https://bit.ly/3hWdk7Q

• Most, if not all, students playing bass will want to rent an instrument from the district.  The rental fee of $120.00 is due at the second lesson.

Student Owned Instruments

Students must secure their own violins. Students not qualifying for the federal free/reduced lunch program must also provide their own violas and cellos.

We recommend that all students rent rather than purchase an instrument since they will be growing and change sizes. Feel free to compare prices and services among music companies.

Please do not attempt to secure an instrument from the internet unless it is one of the brands recommended on this page or from one of the music stores listed below.  Instruments that appear to be a great price on the internet usually do not work well in our classrooms.

• All Strings Attached (763-542-9542) - Golden Valley

  • • • https://www.allstringsattached.com/ 

• A to G Music (763-420-5500) - Osseo

  • • • https://www.a-to-gmusic.com/ 

• Groth Music (952-884-4772) - Bloomington

  • • • https://www.grothmusic.com/ 

• House of Note (952-929-0026) - St. Louis Park

  • • • https://www.houseofnote.com/ 

• Quinn Violins (612-378-5470) - Minneapolis

  • • • https://www.quinnviolins.com/ 

• Schmitt Music (763-566-4560) - Bloomington

• Schmitt Music  (763-421-1062) - Anoka

  • • • https://www.schmittmusic.com/ 

Based on past experience, these brands are suggested for beginning Orchestra students:

• All Strings Attached

• Cao

• Eastman

• Glaesel

• KC Strings

• Knilling

• Kohr

• Lewis

• Roth

• Paul A. Schmitt

Important!  

If you are considering a used instrument, or a brand not listed, feel free to contact any of the district Orchestra directors for their evaluation of the instrument, prior to purchase. An instrument must be in good playing condition and the appropriate size to enable your student to progress normally.  

Look at Supplies Needed for Orchestra for more information.  

Students will need:

• Folding music stand

• Rosin

• Soft clean cloth

• Shoulder rest or sponge for violin and viola 

• End pin stop for cello and bass 

Students renting from a music store can purchase these supplies through the store.

Students renting from the school can purchase these supplies through their teacher or through a store. 

Why would you want to practice your instrument? So you can play the music and have fun! 

Investing time and effort into your practicing can result in a big pay-off. Do it right!

1. Practice often and regularly. 

In the beginning stages, 15-20 minutes per day is recommended. Many students choose to practice at the same time every day, like right after school or after the dinner dishes are finished. Pick a consistent time to practice that works for you and your child. 

2. Find the best place in your home to practice.

Look for some place where you will not be interrupted by the television, the phone, or other members of your family.

3. Set your music on a music stand. 

This can speed up your progress because it allows you to sit tall and hold your instrument correctly.

4. Hold your instrument correctly.

This will help you play in tune and make a nice sound. 

5. Work for a nice sound

Never make fun of strange sounds that others may make. You all are improving and will make mistakes from time to time. 

6. Stop and work on difficult measures slowly and carefully.

Practice them over and over before you play the whole song. This will make the piece less daunting and frustrating. 

7.  Check SeeSaw regularly for Orchestra Assignments and Orchestra Karate information.  

Checking SeeSaw 2-3 times each week will ensure students stay caught up.  

8. Do not be discouraged by a slump or dislike for practice once the "newness" has worn off.

With continued effort, this can be short-lived.

Your student is learning a new skill (not unlike riding a bike). He or she will need your encouragement and support in order to succeed.

1. Show an interest in your child's Orchestra experience

Success will come more readily when students and families make a commitment, together, to learning a string instrument. Dedication and investment are critical to developing a rewarding, satisfying, and fun Orchestra experience. Support your child's progress. Give your child feedback as you sign his or her weekly assignment. Encourage good work in other studies, too. 

2. Encourage good practice habits.

Assist your student in setting up a regular time and quiet place for practice. Provide a music stand and necessary supplies, like rosin. A mirror is helpful in developing a good bow arm and overall playing position. Be sure to sign the weekly assignment worksheet. It is helpful for students to know their playing time is being encouraged. 

3. Assist in the care of the instrument.

It should be cleaned after each use, and stored immediately in the case. Only the student should play the instrument, no one else. 

4. Orchestra is both an individual and group endeavor.

Reinforce skills that needed to participate as part of a group, including responsibility, dependability, ownership, and attention. Teach your student to be punctual for lessons and rehearsals. Encourage faithful attendance at school and community music activities. 

5. Get to know the Orchestra director.

Attend conferences. Call whenever you have questions or concerns. Alert the director to any changes you see at home so he or she may provide the additional help or encouragement that may be needed. 

6.  Check SeeSaw regularly to see your child's progress on Orchestra Karate

Teachers will be grading and commenting on student work on SeeSaw regularly.  Encourage your student to complete and pass their belt assignments. 

• Parents have attended the registration meeting and learned about the program.

• Students have a quality instrument in good working condition.

• Students attend weekly Orchestra lessons with their instrument and music.

• Students complete weekly worksheets, Orchestra Karate assignments, and play through their list of songs regularly.

*Based on student achievement data collected in District 279