Frequently Asked Questions - for the grown ups

1. is it required to have musical experience before joining orchestra?

No! In fact, the majority of 6 graders start orchestra with little to no knowledge about the instrument. We start the year by learning basic music reading skills and build up from there. 

2. What instrument will my student play?

There are 4 options in orchestra: violin, viola, cello, and double bass. The instruments come in various sizes, so any student is able to play all instruments no matter how tall/short your student is. There are no “girl instruments” or “boy instruments.” It all depends on which your student is the most interested in. 

At the start of the school year, the students will learn about each instrument and choose their top 2 choices. Typically, students get to play their first choice. To keep the class balanced, they may have to play their second choice.

3. Can my child participate in other extracurriculars AND orchestra?

Absolutely yes! Many current orchestra, band, or chorus students participate in sports, theater, after-school clubs, and other extracurricular activities. Murray does a great job at supporting the arts, and we avoid conflicts with other school events when possible.

I strongly recommend being involved in multiple things in middle school! Being well-rounded is always a good thing. :)

4. How do I get my student an instrument?

It is not necessary to purchase an instrument for your student. Actually, I strongly discourage purchasing an instrument outright when in 6 grade. String instruments come in different sizes for children, so it is likely that your student will grow and need a bigger instrument in the next couple of years. With instruments, you get what you pay for. A cheap instrument from online is not going to be good quality, and will be frustrating for your student to play.

Most families rent an instrument through Varnam Strings, which allows you to swap the instrument for a larger size as your student grows. They are high quality instruments for a lower monthly cost, which is much more worth it than looking for a “good deal” online.

If you are unable to rent an instrument, there are school-owned instruments that I can let your student borrow for the year. If you need to borrow a school instrument, let me know as soon as possible because the inventory of available instruments is limited.

5. Are concerts required?

Yes. Students are required to perform at 4 orchestra concerts throughout the year. Concerts are like our EOGs, it is how the students demonstrate what they have learned in class. Attending the concerts is a part of their grade as per the handbook. But of course, life happens and replacement grades can be given on a case-by-case basis. See the Calendar of Events for this year’s concert dates.

6. Are students required to practice outside of school?

In order to get the most out of learning their instrument, time needs to be taken outside of class to practice. About an hour of focused, dedicated practice time per week (less than 15 minutes a day!) is going to make sure they stay on track with the rest of the class and be successful in orchestra. 

As above, school instruments may be taken home after the instrument check-out form is signed. I will also allow students to stay after school (by request) for practice time.

Frequently Asked Questions - for the students

1. Concerts??? What if I have stage fright?

Good news! We play in a group during our concerts, so there is no pressure you as an individual. Being nervous to get on stage is normal, but you get used to it! Some of my students who used to be shy and scared to get on stage, now say it’s their favorite part of being in orchestra!

2. What if it’s hard and I want to quit?

Do you remember learning how to walk, or hold a pencil, or tie your shoes? No one is perfect at first. It is hard in the beginning, but that is how learning works! Once you accept the challenge, everything becomes much, much easier! Keep trying, and you will be successful, I promise!

One of my favorite things to tell students is: “How do you get better at something you’re bad at? You try it again!”

3. Which instrument will I play?

In the first week of school, you’ll learn about all 4 instruments: violin, viola, cello, and bass. Then, you will decide on your top 2 choices. I try to give every student their first choice, but we can’t all play the same instrument... so you might have to go with choice number two.

Each instrument comes in different sizes, so do not base your choice of of how tall/short you are!

Additionally, there are no “boy instruments” or “girl instruments.” It all depends on which one you are the most interested in! 

4. What if I want to switch instruments?

I always encourage students to stay on one instrument. If you switch, you will have to re-learn everything on the new instrument. But I want you to be happy, so if it really doesn’t feel like a good fit after a while, we can talk about it.

You’ll get the chance to try out all of the instruments, so we will figure out which instrument is the right one for you!