Orchestra
The string section makes up the largest part of the orchestra! The musician makes sounds on these instruments by plucking or bowing tightly pulled strings. The four main string sections in the orchestra are violin, viola, cello, and bass. You can start on any of the above instruments beginning in 6th grade.
The Northern Lights ABC Orchestra is made up of sixth, seventh, and eight graders. Orchestra at Northern Lights ABC is a three-year program, where students become passionate musicians. Students go from not playing an instrument before sixth grade, to being ready to join high school orchestras across the city by the end of eighth grade. We perform twice a year for the school, teachers, parents, and families. Students have opportunities to hear live, professional performances by winning tickets provided by the Block Foundation, for the classic symphony concerts, sign up for the Student Dress Rehearsals with the Anchorage Opera, and have access to instrument specialists through the Solo and Ensemble festivals. The Orchestra at Northern Lights ABC is made up dedicated, hard working young people with success in sight.
My name is Mrs. Eakes, and this is my 3rd year at Northern Lights ABC. I’m a member of the Anchorage Symphony Bass Section, and also a Principal Bassist for the Anchorage Opera. I’m a born and raised Alaskan, a wife, and a mom to two young boys. I’m excited about this school year, and all of the wonderful music the Northern Lights ABC Orchestra, and I are going to make!
ASD Honor Orchestra
All 6th grade students are eligible to audition! Please see your child's orchestra teacher for details.
We are so glad your child is interested in music. To provide the best educational experience for all students, one that is consistent and in line with ASD fine arts academic plans for music, students who join 7th/8th grade band or orchestra at NLABC must have one year of experience on their chosen instrument.
Getting an Instrument
Do's
Wait until after the in class demonstrations to choose/purchase
Attend Parent Night
Try out instrument at a music store
Rent to Own or Purchase from local music stores
Bring any used instruments to your Band/Orchestra teacher for inspection before committing to a purchase.
Get in writing, a document that states any instrument purchased from a Pawn Shop, Garage Sale, Craig's List, etc. can be returned for full price.
Contact your Band/Orchestra teacher if your family is in financial need
Don'ts
Purchase online or at a box store
Limit your child to only playing an instrument you already own
Keep your child out of Band/Orchestra due to money concerns. We will find a way for your child to participate!
Assume there "boy" and "girl" instruments. All instruments can be and should be played by any gender.
Put the instrument together or play before proper training
Purchase an instrument you cannot return or exchange
Bring instruments to school until asked to by a teacher.
Renting:
We strongly suggest renting an instrument at first rather than immediately buying one. Most reputable music stores offer “rent to own” programs with very reasonable payment plans. To find the local music dealers, look in the Yellow Pages under “Musical Instruments” or online.
Purchasing:
If you decide to purchase a new instrument rather than rent, we strongly suggest that it is bought ONLY FROM A RELIABLE MUSIC STORE THAT SPECIALIZES IN ORCHESTRA OR BAND INSTRUMENTS.
Caution: Inexpensive instruments purchased from the internet, catalogs or non-music stores are usually of poor quality and may frustrate the student to the point of quitting. They look beautiful and the problems may not be easily seen or heard at first. However, they often require expensive repairs (ex., a $100 violin with a $150 repair bill) to play properly and local repair shops usually refuse to repair such instruments.
Ask Around:
Many high-quality used instruments are available through classified ads or from friends or relatives. Also, see if someone can loan you an instrument. If you choose to purchase a used instrument, always have a qualified musician or your band/orchestra teacher inspect the instrument first to insure that expensive repairs are not needed.