Questions about Beginning Orchestra

Beginning Orchestra

What will I learn in Orchestra? We will learn the basics of being a musician: how to read music and rhythm, music history, composition and technology. We will dive deep into learning about the instrument we want to play! We will learn how to play our instruments and how to work collaboratively towards achieving our musical goals. I will teach you everything you need to know. All you need is a willingness to learn and you WILL succeed!

In orchestra, we choose to learn either violin, viola, cello or bass. Students will choose one instrument they will learn to play for the year. We will spend a lot of time deciding which instrument is the right fit for you! Please DO NOT get an instrument for your child until I direct you to do so!

What class supplies do I need for Orchestra? This question will be answered in more detail on the Orchestra Class Supplies page in our Beginning Orchestra Handbook. In short, you will need an instrument, and our class book: Sound Innovations Book 1 for the instrument you choose.

APS will provide a school instrument for a student to use if they need one. We will NEVER turn away a student who wants to learn an instrument. Information for instrument rental companies and our school instrument use policies can be found in this packet and on my website.

Here are some videos that show the sound of each instrument and how it is played. Click on the link to hear the instruments!

Violin: Violin is a member of the upper string family. Violin has the highest pitch to it, and we ALWAYS need lots of violins! It is small and easy to transport.

Viola: Viola is a bit larger, but played exactly like the violin. It has a deeper, mellower sound and is perfect for a student who wants a smaller instrument, but may not like the high sound of a violin. If you are tall or have long fingers, viola is a great choice, because it can grow with you!

Cello: The cello and bass are members of the lower string family. It has a deep, lovely sound. The cello is played sitting down. We can provide you a school instrument to use!

Bass: The bass is played standing up or sitting on a stool. Because these instruments are larger, we will provide school instruments for you to use so you do not need to take your instrument to and from school every day. All bass students will be provided a school bass to use during class and one at home.