FAQs

1. Does my child need to have previous musical experience in order to be successful in orchestra?

NO!  Most kids start in orchestra without any prior experience at all!  We start instruction from the very beginning and we progress from there. Any experience playing piano, guitar, recorder, or singing in choir will certainly help but the only requirement to be in orchestra is a desire to be there!

2. What is this going to cost me? 

Instrument rentals start at about $25 a month for violins and violas, and about $50 for cellos and basses.  They are usually set up on a month to month type of plan. The one time supply cost is about $50. Orchestra start up supply costs and monthly rental fees are actually cheaper overall than those for band.  There is also a $25 orchestra fee charged to each student at the beginning of the year.  This fee includes the orchestra t-shirt, instrument tag, binder, zipper pouch, and Solo Contest entry fee.  We don’t want lack of financial resources to be a roadblock for a child’s participation in orchestra. Please talk to a director if that applies to your child.

3. Do I have to purchase an instrument right now?

NO! We recommend renting an instrument to start with. PLEASE, DO NOT BUY AN INSTRUMENT ONLINE! We know they seem like a great deal but in our opinion, those instruments are TERRIBLE. They don’t stay in tune, sound awful, and a very prone to unfix-able breakage. A “good looking violin” you purchase online for $150 will cost you $300 in adjustments before it can even be played, and will always sound terrible - leading to a great deal of frustration on your child’s part.

4. My child wants to play cello or bass but I do not want to have to help him/her carry that big thing back and forth to school every day. How does that work?

Cellos and basses leave their rental instrument at HOME, and use a school instrument at school. All they have to carry back and forth is their music to practice :)

5. What kind of a time commitment is orchestra going to be for my 6th grader?

Orchestra is co-curricular, and taught as part of the normal school day so there are not a lot of rehearsals or time spent outside of class. There are about 4 concerts spread throughout the year that are in the evening so that parents can attend. We do some optional social events (we went to a Ft. Worth Symphony performance, Altitude Trampoline Park, Hawaiian Falls, etc.) in the evenings or on a weekend.  

6. My child chose to be in orchestra next year. Now what?

You will need to attend one of our Instrument Nights!   At that time, your child will pick what instrument they want to play, and they will get sized for an instrument.  

Once we know what instrument they are going to play next year, I will make sure they are scheduled in the correct class. While you are there, you will also have the opportunity to set up your rental instrument to save you a trip during the summer. Bell’s Music Shop went through a rigorous selection process with our district’s orchestra teachers and was selected as the vendor to be present at all NISD orchestra instrument selection events. While you are welcome to rent or purchase an instrument from any vendor you would like, Northwest ISD invites Bell’s Music Shop to be present at the event for your convenience. Bell’s Music Shop has been the NISD vendor for the past ten+ years.

Please know that you can use any vendor you would like to rent an instrument! I recommend that you take care of instrument rental sooner rather than later. Bell's Music Shop will deliver the instrument and supplies to Worthington MS before school starts, or you can bring the instrument on the 1st day of school if you are using a different vendor!

7. What does a beginner class look like?

Beginner Orchestra is taught in upper string or low string class,- meaning that violin and viola are taught together, and cello and bass are taught together. Having classes separated into upper and lower strings allows for faster progress for everyone!  I teach them how to uncase, how to hold their instruments, and how to read music so that they can get really good at playing their instrument!  Check out our social media to see what your child can expect in Beginner Orchestra!

8. Should I get my child private lessons this summer?

I LOVE when kids cannot wait to start playing their instruments! We have a fantastic private lesson program where our students can get one-on-one private help during the school day from a professional teacher and musician who is able to address the specific needs of the individual child. Private lessons are optional, but highly recommended. However, taking them BEFORE your child starts 6th grade is NOT recommended. Your child ends up in a bad in-between place - they know too much and are REALLY bored in Beginner Orchestra for the first few months but don’t know enough to progress directly into a performing ensemble. It’s MUCH better to wait until school starts before starting private lessons.

9. Can my child be in two music classes?

Yes! There are orchestra kids that are also successful in choir/band. Your child has two elective choices for next year. All three fine arts electives are all very strong and successful.

10. My child wants to be in athletics later on. Can they participate in both?

Yes! There are orchestra kids that are also very involved in athletics, cheer leading, club sports, and many other clubs and activities.

11. Why does my child have to participate in a music class in 6th grade?

It is NISD policy that ALL 6th graders participate in a performing arts - orchestra, band, or choir.  There are so many benefits to a well rounded education.  Read about those benefits here!

12. I would like more information.  Can I contact you directly?

Absolutely!  We know that all this information can be overwhelming - especially if you are not coming from a musical background of any kind and/or this is your oldest child’s adventure into middle school! I am happy to help however I can to make the transition into 6th grade a positive experience for everyone.  Send me an email: hkaminski@nisdtx.org