Welcome to Orchestra!!
2025-26 enrollment for grades 4-6 is now open. Enrollment will close September 5th and can be filled out here.
Orchestra Instruments - Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass
ARPS Elementary Orchestra Music Teachers
Ms. Eleanor Lincoln: lincolne@arps.org (Orchestra and lessons at FR, WW, CF, and Pelham)
Mr. Lincoln Smith: smithl1@arps.org (lessons at FR, CF, WW)
To the student:
You have just made one of the most wonderful decisions of your life - to learn to play an instrument! The path to learning an instrument is long, and at times, challenging, but if you make an effort, try hard to listen to your teacher, and try your best, you’re going to find that playing an instrument can be fun and rewarding! We cannot wait to get started!
For students considering bass, please keep in mind the following:
We have a limited number of basses for rent through the school. Unless you are planning to rent a bass from Stamell, be sure to consider a second choice instrument, as we cannot guarantee a school bass for everyone who signs up.
Basses are large and heavy, and you will need to carry it from one place to another. Please do not sign up for bass if you are not willing/able to carry this instrument on your own. (Perk - your arms will definitely get stronger!)
Basses will need to go back and forth between home and school, and are not permitted on the bus. Please choose a different instrument if you do not have a way to get the instrument to and from school.
Lessons begin around the week of September 18. You will receive a notice about your lesson day, and when the first lesson will occur.
The first lesson is a short meet and greet. For those borrowing instruments from the school, this will be the day you get your instrument. Make sure you have your rental forms in before this date, or you'll have to wait another week to take your instrument home.
Instrument Information:
Rentals:
Stamell Stringed Instruments
https://www.stamellstring.com/about-us.html
18 Kellogg Ave
Amherst MA 01002
(413) 256 0936
info@stamellstring.com
*Free parking next to shop*
Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm by appointment
Book your rental online here or call the number above to set up a visit to the store.
School Instruments
Available to those who cannot afford to rent elsewhere due to financial hardship. There is a $76 rental fee for all instruments for a school year rental period. The music program depends on the rental fees to maintain and repair instruments throughout the year. If you are borrowing a school instrument, you will receive a rental contract from Ms. Lincoln. This must be filled out and signed before your child can bring an instrument home. Please also remember to submit payment of $76. Checks may be made out to “Amherst Public Schools.” As long as all the paperwork is filled out, signed, and returned, your child will receive their instrument on the first day of lessons.
Fee Waivers for Instrument Rentals
We do not want money to be the reason a student cannot play an instrument. Fee waivers are available for families who are unable to pay the $76 instrument rental. All waiver applications will need to be approved through the main office of your child’s school. Waivers will be granted based on the free and reduced lunch program. Families who are not currently enrolled in the free and reduced lunch but apply for fee waivers will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to request a fee waiver application, please contact us for a form, fill out the application as completely as possible, and return it to your child’s school. All requests will be kept confidential between you, the music teacher, and the office.
Applying for Partial Fee Waivers:
Families who would like to contribute to the music department, but cannot afford the full instrument rental fee of $76 may apply for a partial fee waiver.
PLEASE NOTE:
**Even if you are granted a fee waiver and receive the instrument at no cost to your family, you are responsible for the instrument. Should the instrument be damaged beyond repair, stolen, or lost, you are still responsible for the cost of replacing the instrument.**
Orchestra Books:
If your child is new to instrumental music this year, they will receive everything they need from their lesson teacher. Their teacher may also suggest purchasing a specific book at some point during the year, depending on your child's individual progress.
If your child is a continuing student, their lesson teacher may recommend a specific book within the first weeks of lessons.
Instrument Accessories:
You may purchase the following online or at your local music store.
All Students:
Music stand - We recommend getting your child a music stand to use at home. Wire music stands start around $10, and, if treated right, will last a very long time. I still have the one my parents bought my in third grade.
Rosin - All string musicians need rosin. Any brand is fine. The cheaper the better, because they will most likely break or get lost at some point.
Violin/Viola Students:
All violin and viola students will need a shoulder rest.
I recommend either Everest shoulder rests, which are around $20, OR a foam shoulder rests, which can be around $3-5.
Make sure to buy the correct size for your child's instrument.
For Cello/Bass:
All students will need a rock stop or endpin anchor. There are many different kinds and brands, and most people have their own individual preference.
Cellists sometimes prefer endpin anchors that strap to their chairs.
Bassist will want one that does not strap to anything, as they are typically standing.
I highly recommend getting your child a rockstop or endpin anchor - these will save your floors and carpets!
Donations:
We greatly appreciate donations of money, books, instruments (new or used), and accessories, at any time of the year. Think of us while you’re spring cleaning, or emptying out those closets!
How you can support your child’s music education:
Be encouraging. It is very difficult to learn an instrument, and it is not always pleasant to listen to in the beginning. Please be patient and gentle with your child while they are learning. Show your interest in the process, not just the finished product. If your child believes you’re proud of them, they will be more willing to try.
Encourage your child to be patient with themselves. It can often be frustrating to learn a new skill, and playing an instrument is a complex task that involves a number of new muscles that need time and consistent practice to develop. Encourage your child to work slowly, and follow every direction from their teacher or in their book. Remind them that every musician started where they are. Compliment them on their efforts, not just their sound.
Help them to find a time and place to practice regularly. We understand that a household with children is rarely quiet and calm, and your families are very busy. Helping your child to form a routine around practice will ultimately help them to succeed. It can be 20 minutes of practice while dinner is being prepared, before bedtime, or a couple of quick 5 minute sessions (20 min total per day) while they’re waiting for a sibling to get ready. The more they practice, the more they will enjoy music.
Seriously consider alternatives before allowing your child to quit. Learning to play an instrument is challenging and complex, especially in the beginning. It is very easy for a child to say “this is hard, I don’t want to do it anymore.” If your child expresses frustrations about playing and tells you they want to quit, before allowing them to give up, please contact their music teacher. Sometimes all it takes is a few private meetings with the teacher, or a different approach in lessons for a child to find their confidence and choose to stick with it. That being said, we do understand that there are times when it is appropriate for children to discontinue instrument lessons. If you feel that is the case for your child, we will respect your decision. Please contact us via letter, email, phone call, or in person, to let us know your family’s decision.
Grading:
We grade (taking into account the age and developmental ability of the students) on practice, cooperation, attention, attending lessons with all materials, posture and hand position, technique and accuracy, tone, tonguing, note and rhythm reading skills, and group playing skills. Set your child up for success by having them practice every day, and having their instrument and book with them on lesson day.
Thanks! We’re looking forward to an excellent year!
Prepared for the year: a checklist:
❑ We know how we are getting our instrument
❑ We have filled out and submitted paperwork to get our instrument
❑ We have purchased a method book for our musician (unless directed otherwise)
❑ We have purchased rosin and a shoulder rests or rockstop/endpin anchor for our musician’s instrument
❑ We have decided as a family when our musician will practice each day: _________________ o’clock
❑ We’re excited about starting lessons!