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Welcome parents & guardians to the orchestra family! I am excited to work with you throughout your child's journey in music. Communication is the key to success, so please contact me with what is on your mind!
NEW OR POTENTIAL ORCHESTRA FAMILIES
Thinking about enrolling in orchestra? Check out the amazing videos and facts at Why Join Orchestra. Once convinced, visit String Instrument Selection. It is important to have the child select an instrument that THEY are excited about for success rather than the one YOU are excited about them playing!
Instrument Sales/Rental/Accessories
Instrument Sales/Rental/Accessories
These are in alphabetical order and no preference has been given.
If I have missed any retailers, I apologize and you can be added by emailing me at kkallegood@henrico.k12.va.usHow much will orchestra cost?
How much will orchestra cost?
Orchestra is accessible to everyone, regardless of income. In Henrico, elective class budgets are funded through the $12 fee associated with each class. This covers costs such as purchasing music, equipment, school owned instruments, and basic supplies and can be paid using the button below. I am always aware of costs and try to keep them as low as possible.
Families are strongly encouraged to rent or purchase instruments for their children, especially if they play violin or viola. For rental to own programs, you can expect to pay approximately $30/month (usually $10/mo trail period) for violin/viola and $40/month ($20/mo trial) for cello. There is usually an optional insurance fee for damages that I HIGHLY recommend for beginners. Basses are not expected to rent or buy their own instrument as they are cost prohibitive. Based on inventory availability, most bass and cello students can be provided with a school instrument, but are responsible for damages.
If you are considering purchasing an instrument, that is terrific, but ALWAYS contact the teacher with information about what you are considering buying. Most string instruments look pretty, but the materials and craftsmanship can make some of those pretty instrument unplayable. Poor quality instruments, which are readily available online and in stores everyday, will not be able to be tuned or stay in tune, will be difficult to press the strings down, and may break easily. Unfortunately, acoustic instruments in fun (i.e. non-wood) colors are not well made and will not stay in tune. Please don't buy Cremona, Belafina, Palentino, or instruments with no label (located inside the f-hole). Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Sams Club are not music retailers and generally sell toys or violin shaped objects. Yes, even beginner level instruments are expensive. Expect to pay $300+ for a beginner violin or viola, over $600 for a cello, and over $1000 for a bass. Deals that are too good to be true usually are.
Additional potential costs include the orchestra method book and accessories. All students are recommended to get the following:
REQUIRED: Rosin (usually comes with the instrument)
REQUIRED VIOLIN/VIOLA: Kun Shoulder Rest ($26-30) Do not purchase Resonator shoulder rests as they damage instruments.
End pin holder- cello only ($5-20)
REQUIRED: Orchestra book ($8-10) Essential Elements 2000 for strings (Beginners book 1, Intermediate book 2, Advanced uses Essential Techniques). School owned books are available for sign-out if you cannot provide one.
REQUIRED: $20 Music Department Polo Shirt. Fundraising is available to cover this cost. Tip, order a loose shirt so that they can wear it throughout middle school!
RECOMMENDED: Wire music stand ($10-15)
RECOMMENDED: Practice mute ($5-20) is very helpful if practice needs to be quiet like in an apartment or during a siblings' nap time. Please let kids play without the mute whenever possible.
Fundraisers are available to offset individual program costs for special activities like field trips, shirts, festival fees, and purchasing program equipment.
How much time does orchestra take?
How much time does orchestra take?
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice! It's true that learning an instrument requires time and commitment, which is also true of many goals throughout life. You can expect to practice the following amounts at least 5 days every 2 weeks in order to meet expectations. More practice sees more results. Smart practice sees even more results!
1st year player = 10-20 minutes/day
2nd year player = 15-30 minutes/day
3rd year player = 20-40 minutes/day
If you are smart with your available practice schedule, musicians can also be athletes, academics, and socialites! As you grow, you may want the challenge or extra ensembles through the school, district, or community partners.
Private Lessons
Private Lessons
Taking private music lessons is a fantastic way to see fast skill development. We have terrific private teachers in our area. Check out this list of private music teachers. The following are good questions to ask:
Where do you teach?
What do you charge? (30-minute lessons are great for beginners, but will quickly move to 45-minute or 1-hour lessons)
What is your teaching experience?
What is your primary instrument?
How do you motivate students?
How can I support my child?
How can I support my child?
Middle school is a challenging time for parenting as you may feel like you have moved from the center of your child's universe to them having more peer influences. Please know that even if your child doesn't show it as openly, you are still a major influence on them and their development. Your involvement and support are key to success during this time of developmental growth. Here are just a few tips:
Emotional support is key. Give positive (but honest) feedback. Overhearing a parent say something negative about their playing can have long lasting negative affects.
Try to have a designated place for the child to practice. A music stand, a straight chair without arms, and freedom from distractions are key. Violins and violas can stand to practice. Basses may stand or need a stool depending on their set-up.
For beginners, please keep the student away from the instrument until I send an email that it is the right time (target is early September)! Experimenting is fun...and a great way to break a string before you even start. Also, I will ask you to remove the bow (store it somewhere safe) until we get to it in a few weeks.
Attending performances, chaperoning field trips, transporting the child to school for extra rehearsals, and participating in fundraisers is a great way to show your child that you support music learning!
The most significant improvement will be through the addition of private lessons. Nothing can replicate one-on-one attention, especially with young musicians. The movement towards virtual lessons removes many common scheduling and transportation barriers. Here is a list of some local private teachers.
If your child wants an extra challenge or is highly motivated, there are many opportunities in the Richmond community for young musicians. There are summer music camps, Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program, and Henrico Performing Arts festivals. There are special High School music programs that students can apply for. Check out my Music Opportunities page for details.
Give your child opportunities to hear live music! There are many free and low-cost performances of orchestral music and much more throughout Richmond.
Share this link to the orchestra's Donors Choose page on your Social Media!
Share this link to the orchestra's Donors Choose page on your Social Media!
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