This class meets twice per 4-day cycle for 45 minutes during the school day. Orchestra meets during Encore time, which is the same time that other specials like Art, PE, General Music, Tech, and World Language meet, so your student will not miss any Core classroom instruction when attending Orchestra class. They will attend the other specials classes (General Music/Art and PE) on the other 2 days of the 4-day cycle.
During large-group Orchestra classes, your child will learn the basics of how to balance and blend with a collective group of musicians and how to rehearse collaboratively to prepare music for performances.
Every Orchestra member will receive a 15-minute small-group lesson once per week, typically in pairs of only 2 students. These highly individualized lessons take place during the regular school day, beginning in mid-September and continuing throughout the school year until the beginning of May.
During lessons, your child will receive individual attention and technical instruction specific to your child's instrument that cannot be taught or accurately assessed during the full Orchestra rehearsal. Lessons contribute greatly to each student's individual musical achievement and to the performance of the entire ensemble.
During a typical year, the 5th Grade Orchestra will perform two evening concerts: one in November, and one in May. Attendance at these concerts is a requirement in Orchestra.
Attend and participate in Orchestra class rehearsals
Attend and participate in Orchestra lessons
Attend and participate in concerts — 2 required concerts in 5th grade
Practice regularly enough to make progress — 15 minutes a day/5 days a week is ideal
Commit to the class for a full school year. After the full year, if Orchestra doesn't feel like the best fit for your student, they can certainly choose to leave the program as they enter 6th grade.
Students should bring the following materials with them to every orchestra rehearsal and lesson in order to be ready to learn and successful:
Instrument
Workbook (Habits of a Successful Young String Musician, Book 1)
Orchestra Binder
Pencil
Show an interest in the musical study of your child — have them play something that they're learning for you!
Arrange a scheduled time for practice so that practicing becomes a routine habit rather than homework — aim for 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week for noticeable results.
Find a quiet place to practice without distractions nearby (siblings, television, video games, etc.).
Make sure your child's belongings are labeled clearly with their name (name tag on case, name written on shoulder rest, rosin, endpin anchor, rock stop, workbook, etc.)
Keep the instrument in good working condition, taking it in for repairs promptly when needed. Following our guidance on instrument care will greatly reduce the need for repairs or drastic adjustments, but accidents can always happen!
When needed, help your child remember which days are Orchestra days on the 4-day cycle, and which day of the week their lesson is scheduled for.
Reach out to a director to discuss anything that we may need to know in order to help us understand your child better.
Attend (and be excited for) concerts!