orchestra resources

Practicing / DIGITAL PRACTICE JOURNALS

Specific assignments are given each week, and students are expected to make every effort to practice regularly. Just like with any sport, practice is an essential component of consistent progress and achievement for both the individual and the collective. Please remember that "rehearsing" as we do in class at school is distinct from "practicing". A unique set of skills and goal setting will be pursued through students Digital Practice Journals. In general, high school students should strive to practice for at least 15-30 minutes, 4-5 days a week, with specific goals in mind. The most serious students should be practicing at least 30-45 minutes, 5-6 days a week, and be taking private lessons on a regular basis. Those goals can be easily aligned with the current units of study outlined during ensemble at school. Your progress and development will be clear and strong as a result, and this individual success will allow the ensemble to pursue greater and more satisfying challenges!

*PRACTICE STRATEGIES*

tuning

Need help with tuning your instrument? Use the link HERE and follow the explanations and videos on how to approach tuning for your instrument.

Repairs and Maintenance

If you are currently RENTING your instrument, you are likely entitled to complimentary servicing under your insurance agreement. In that case, please contact your rental company directly to coordinate the repair. It is imperative that you insist on a loaner instrument to be used while your instrument is away, as most of these companies have a 1-2 week turnaround for repairs. You will likely be asked to leave the instrument in the main office of the school. Please let us know if you experience any issues.

If you OWN your instrument, or are no longer covered under your rental insurance agreement, we are happy to attempt a repair ourselves if possible or make a recommendation for where you should bring it.

If you are BORROWING a school-owned instrument, please bring the issue to our attention and we will coordinate any necessary repairs.

Enrichment and Scholarship Opportunities

Our Enrichment and Scholarship Opportunities doc gives you information for festivals, competitions, summer camps, regional ensembles and programs, private lessons, honor bands, internships, honor societies, local live music venues, and scholarships of all kinds. It's a great resource for parents and students!