Beginning Orchestra rehearsals take place at your local elementary building either at the start of the school day (7:55-8:30 AM rehearsal) or at the end of the school day (2:15-2:55 PM rehearsal). Click the down arrow to find your school and rehearsal day! As of Aug 27, 2024, this has not been updated-we will update ASAP!

The third foundational element of involvement in elementary orchestra is participation in concerts. Orchestra is a division of performance music within the ICCSD and while the curricular focus is to foster skill development and knowledge acquisition, those goals are achieved in part by preparing for performances. Performing provides students with the opportunity to present the fruits of their labor and to take pride in what they have accomplished. Additionally, musical performances help students to learn the socially connective nature of music and the power that holds when sharing with an audience. 

Specific student expectations are different for each instructor, but the basic expectations for success are listed below: 

• Attendance:

  • Attendance of all lessons, rehearsals, and performances (unless excused), is crucial to your student's success in orchestra. In order to learn the skills necessary to play a string instrument, your student must be present!

• Practice:

  • This is probably the most important key to success for orchestra students. As directors, we teach your student the skills and information necessary to learn a string instrument. However, once it has been taught, it is up to your student to then learn those skills by practicing what they have been taught. Your student will essentially be learning a new language and a new way of conveying thoughts and emotions. Those that learn to speak a new language fluently spend years practicing that language many times a week until it begins to feel natural; learning an instrument is a similar challenge. We as teachers will meet your student where they are, offer many supports, and teach them how to practice so that they can make progress in the shortest amount of time possible. However, at the end of the day, time and focus it what it really takes and those that practice, often receive the most joy and fulfillment from orchestra. 

  • Your student's instructor will work with you to determine how often and for how long your student should be practicing. 

• Growth Mindset:

  • Lastly, we as directors will work tirelessly with your students to keep them engaged and excited about orchestra. However, learning an instrument can be difficult at times and the amount of new information can feel overwhelming to some. If your student ever expresses their frustrations with the desire to quit, we ask that you encourage your student to push through those frustrations as they are often temporary speed bumps on the road to growth. 

  • We firmly believe that every student is capable of learning an instrument and we will work to ensure that your student holds that same belief for themselves.