Parent Informational Presentation Videos
Wednesday May 7th 2025, 6:00PM
Wednesday, May 7th Orchestra Parent Meeting with Quinlan and Fabish
or
Thursday May 8th 2025, 6:00PM
Thursday May 8th Orchestra Parent Meeting with Austin's Violin Shop
Frequently Asked Questions:
Orchestra Lessons and Rehearsals:
Orchestra meets twice a week - once during the school day and once before school.
All orchestra students receive one 40-minute small group lesson during the school day. These lessons rotate throughout the school day so that students do not miss the same subject each week.
In addition, all orchestra students attend a rehearsal each week before school. Arrival for before school rehearsals is 8:00 AM. Check with your school orchestra teacher for the exact schedule.
Both in-school lessons and before-school rehearsals are required for all orchestra members.
Performances:
We LOVE to perform! Orchestra students play two formal concerts a year, one in the winter and one in the spring.
Second and third year players perform for school assemblies, and can participate in Fiddle Fest! Check out the video below of Fiddle Fest 2025.
Expectations of Orchestra Members and Families
Be excited about playing! Bring materials and a positive attitude to each and every lesson and rehearsal!
Set a home practice schedule. Make it a goal to practice four to five days a week for between 5 - 10 minutes each time. Frequent practice in small amounts of time is better than one long session.
Know that there will be great successes, and times where we are stretching our learning. Enrollment in orchestra is a full school year commitment.
What supplies are needed for Orchestra?
Orchestra members will need to:
RENT an instrument
Beginning orchestra students should rent a 1/4 size violin, viola or cello. Basses should rent a 1/8 size bass. Our D303 preferred string vendors, Austin's Violin Shop and Quinlan and Fabish come to our schools each week to deliver instruments, make exchanges, handle repairs and deliver excellent quality instruments at competitive prices.
PURCHASE a method book "Essential Elements" Book 1
available through your rental company
PURCHASE a folding music stand
available through your rental company
PURCHASE a 1" three ring binder used exclusively for orchestra
available at any store