Elementary Orchestra

General Information

This handbook outlines the exciting events that will occur during your child's first years in orchestra, and the expectations and procedures to help us get there.  

Important Dates (Link to Calendar)

Eligibility 

All 4th grade students in the Davenport Schools are eligible to join orchestra, but must have parental permission.  

In the 5th grade, orchestra students continue instruction in preparation for joining orchestra at the middle and high school levels.  

5th grade students may join orchestra and/or join band.  

Students may participate in both band and orchestra through middle and high school. 

Required Materials 

• Instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass) of the proper size and in good working order. With bow, case and rosin. 

• Method Book (provided by the school this year)  

• Violin and viola: shoulder rest or shoulder pad 

• Cello and bass: endpin stop 

• Cleaning cloth. This can be a piece of a clean shirt to be used to wipe rosin dust off the instrument when putting the instrument away.
   

Instrument care and maintenance 

• With proper care, a string instrument can last a very long time. We have some violins that are over 50 years old!

• Loosen the bow and wipe rosin dust off the instrument and strings each day when you put it away.  

Keep your case clean and free of all books and objects that may damage your instrument.  

• Store the instrument in the case when not in use.  

• Clean the instrument only with a string instrument cleaner. Some solvents such as alcohol can damage the varnish.  

• Avoid leaving the instrument outside or in a vehicle. Extreme heat and extreme cold can easily damage string instruments.  

• Avoid excessive dryness or excessive humidity.  

• Avoid too much exposure to direct sunlight. The UV rays will damage the varnish over time.  

• DO NOT attempt your own repairs. If you think your instrument is in need of repair, bring it to a music teacher first before you take it to a repair shop. It may save you some hassle and money! 

• For school instruments, parents are responsible for the cost of repair for damage beyond reasonable wear. 

• Do not attempt to tune your own instrument until you have the teacher’s permission. This is a skill usually learned after the student enters middle school.  

• Check regularly for cracks, open seams, fallen sound post, bent bridges, and fine tuners that touch the top of the instrument.  

• Strings that are worn and starting to unwind should be replaced immediately.  

Expectations 

Students are expected to keep their instrument safe and protected from damage.  

School owned instruments will remain at school until: 

A signed School Instrument Usage Agreement is turned in, and the student demonstrates proper use of the instrument. This may take a few lessons. 

All orchestra members will have an assigned weekly lesson time. This is when most of their instruction is done. They should bring their instrument and book to every lesson, and should be practicing the beginning songs regularly at home.  

In addition to your child's weekly lesson, we will also meet as a full ensemble for 30 minutes each week. 

Regularly practice at home. 10-15 minutes of practice toward a goal several times a week is good. Parents can encourage this by setting up a time and space for your child to play his or her instrument each day - the same time each day works best! And ask the student to show you what they are working on. Let them perform for you regularly. 

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Does it cost a lot of money to be in orchestra? 

NO! The main cost is for the instrument. High quality new and used instruments are available from area music stores. Most students rent an instrument on a rental-purchase plan at a low monthly cost, typically between $25 to $35. The school will often provide the bigger, more expensive instruments (double bass). We also have an inventory of all instruments at school if you have financial constraints. These are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are subject to an annual $40 fee charged by the school district; reach out to your student's music teacher to check availability. 

The bottom line is if you want to play, we will find a way. PERIOD. 

When does my child participate in orchestra? 

Orchestra lessons take place during the school day. We work with your student's teachers to make sure they get all of their classroom learning and their instructional time! There are a few concerts and events that take place outside of the school day. Depending on the school and the student's situation some instruction may be offered immediately before or immediately after school. 

Can my child participate in band and other activities? 

YES! Band students from 5th grade through high school participate in orchestra, choir, clubs, athletic teams, and other organizations, both inside and outside of school. Instrumental music fits in EVERYBODY'S schedule, no matter how much time you have to put toward your instrument! 

Where should we get an instrument and supplies? 

We have an excellent local music store in our area which is large enough to provide any needs our program has, and yet small enough to provide timely service. We have found the instruments and services provided from West Music to be an excellent value for your money. They provide brand new or gently used instruments (either is absolutely fine) along with the needed accessories and books, and also provide a repair service agreement with rental (a definite plus). 

Where to get an instrument

There are also several very reputable sources for renting instruments online: 

Shar Music 

www.sharmusic.com
(800) 248-7427 

Johnson String Instrument 

www.johnsonstring.com
info@johnsonstring.com
617-964-0954 or 800-359-9351 

Southwest Strings 

www.swstrings.com 

520-624-9390 or 800-528-3430 

Many online sites (such as Amazon and eBay) or discount stores (such as Walmart and Sam's Club) may sell musical instruments. These are not music stores, and their inventory is usually of very poor quality! These are cheaply made instruments that are not made according to industry standards, which means that instrument repair technicians cannot fix them.