All current 4th grade students may join the orchestra this fall by playing the violin, viola, or cello. Students may switch to the bass after their first year of playing. (We recommend that students who may want to play the bass start on the cello.) No previous experience is necessary. (Click HERE for a short introduction to the instruments, and HERE to hear more about why students love being a part of the Mounds View Orchestra!)
Arrange to rent your instrument ONLINE from House of Note or All Strings Attached.
Measure your child’s height (for cello players) or arm length (for violin/viola players) by using one of these sizing guides:
All Strings Attached Sizing Guide
Fill out the online rental form, and the stores will deliver your child’s instrument to their summer orchestra lesson site for the first day of lessons!
All Strings Attached Rental Sign-Up
*Please remember: Any families who are unable to rent from a music store should contact their school’s orchestra teacher. School rental instruments are available, and priority is given to students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child’s orchestra teacher! We can’t wait to meet you all very soon!
Please make sure you complete the following steps by Friday, September 8th so that your child is ready to start their lesson the following week.
You will need to get an instrument and music stand for your child. All Strings Attached and House of Note are two music stores that service our school district. Look at this site for instructions on how to measure your child for the correct size instrument.
Once you determine the size instrument your child will need, contact the music store to set up instrument rental with either All Strings Attached or House of Note. A limited number of rental instruments are available from your school for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch - please contact Mrs. Anderson for more information. .
The award-winning orchestra program in Mounds View Public Schools is highly-regarded throughout the state and beyond. A dedicated and dynamic team of educators offers high-quality instruction for orchestra students in grades 4-12. As students advance through the program, they will participate in both small and large-group instruction, concerts, performance tours, chamber music/small-ensemble opportunities, solo opportunities, annual Laurentian trips during high school, and more. There is an annual concerto competition at Mounds View High School for advanced students. The Mounds View High School Orchestra traveled to Vienna, Salzburg, and Prague in March 2019. The Irondale High School Orchestra traveled to Vienna, Salzburg and Budapest in March 2019. Past tour destinations have included Italy, Greece, and major national destinations such as New York City and Los Angeles.
The district orchestra staff created this video which will be shared with all 3rd grade classrooms. During the school year, orchestra students will have small-group lessons during the school day, and in-person large group rehearsals before school. Lessons will start in late September. There is no fee for instruction during the school year. Instruction continues in our district through high school, and students may even earn scholarships for continuing to play in college! Studies have shown that music students perform high academically throughout their education.
This is an extremely important decision for you and your child because now is the best time in your child’s education to begin their musical journey. It is my hope that your child loves his/her instrument and finds orchestra to be a rewarding experience for years to come. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call. I look forward to working with you and your child this fall!