FAQS &
Important Information

Important Things to Discuss with Your Child

Time Commitment- students are expected to practice 5 days a week for 10-20 mins each day. Some students may have other obligations such as sports, dance, etc that will limit the time they have to practice. Consider this before committing to playing an instrument! 

Playing Two Instruments- many students may have begun to play a string instrument in third grade and now want to add a band instrument. Please consider that this is double the time commitment, both for practice and being pulled from class. Discuss this commitment with your child because while some students may be successful with two instruments, we often find that one instrument tends not to be practiced as often. 

Switching Instruments- students who are thinking about switching instruments, either from a string to band instrument or between instruments should know that they start at the beginning again. We encourage students to stick with the instrument they chose unless they are truly passionate about switching. 

Important Information About Basses and Cellos

Please note that if your child chooses cello or bass you must make special arrangements to bring them to school as they are not allowed on school buses.

 Also, string basses are large instruments that many small children cannot carry on their own.

 Please take this into consideration when choosing your instrument. 

Basses are billed every 6 months instead of the

 12 month trial like the violin, viola, and cello contract.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is a string lesson?

A string lesson is a class that students can choose to take during the school day. 

Students who choose instrumental music as an academic pursuit, attend these 

lessons in the orchestra room and leave their classrooms to do so.

How often will my student be working with their Orchestra Director? 

Lessons are offered during the school day. Your student will be pulled from class twice a cycle to participate in 

lessons and full orchestra rehearsal. Lessons occur for 30 minutes once a cycle on the same cycle day each week. 

Your child will be paired with other students playing similar instruments at their grade level. Students will meet 

as a full group once a cycle for 40 minutes to work on music as a whole orchestra. Your schedule is listed 

each cycle online as well as sent home. Look under "Lesson Schedule" on the website or check Class Dojo 

or your email. Your student’s classroom teacher will communicate how to make up for missed work. 

How much does it cost?

The classes are free. Parents are responsible for supplying an instrument, music stand, and a book for their child. 

The String Tree is our main provider of instruments for rental and purchase. Information about rental costs 

are available on The String Tree's website, or you can speak to a representative at their physical location 

in Sinking Spring. 

Wilson believes that all students should have the opportunity to participate in orchestra, 

please speak to your orchestra director if you have any concerns about obtaining an instrument! 

How do I know if my student is talented enough to play an instrument?

Talent in music is taught. Though some students come with varying degrees of natural talent, eventually all 

students end up at the same level with the right amount of effort. EFFORT and CONSISTENCY are the key!  

Consistently practicing and establishing strong practice habits will do more for your child 

than natural talent in the long run.

How will instrumental music affect my students' other academic courses?

Research indicates that students who are involved in instrumental music do better in school than students 

who do not take instrumental music. Though every student is different, research does indicate that music helps 

with other academic subjects.

What instrument should my child play?

Many parents are concerned about choosing the correct instrument for their child. 

One thing to remember is that it is the child who is playing the instrument and this  is an area where they 

should have a complete choice. Many students will choose an instrument  because they enjoy the sound of that

 instrument or because it is the one that has always fascinated them.  

Please do not discourage your child from playing a particular instrument because 

it is too big. If they enjoy playing the instrument, you will be much happier when 

it comes time for practice. Speak to your orchestra director if you have concerns about transportation 

of the instrument.  I suggest checking out YouTube and our slide show to hear the instruments.

Where can I rent an instrument for my child?

The Wilson School District is proud to be serviced by The String Tree as our 

rental company. When you prepay online, your String Tree instrument will 

be delivered to your school so that your teacher can set up the instrument.

Click here to go to the String Tree Online Rental Form or call 610-670-5454.

Why should I rent an instrument instead of buying online?

When you rent an instrument through The String Tree you're getting more than just a rental instrument.

 You're getting coverage should any accidents happen as well as a quality instrument for your child 

to learn on. This  is important as a poor quality instrument will cause more frustration for your child 

and you in the long run. Instruments bought online or non music stores like Walmart are often 

cheap and low quality.  These instruments tend not to stay in tune which can discourage a beginning player. 

Please consider the long term benefits of renting before buying online. 

What does the research say about music instruction?

There has been a great deal of research done about the effects of music instruction on children. 

Research indicates that music does help the brain to work faster. 

Therefore, students do better in school when they have musical instruction.

My student is active in many other activities.  How much time outside of school will this involve?

Students are also expected to practice at home for 15 - 20 minutes at a time 5 days a week. 

I always suggest that the student makes practice part of their homework. 

Either add it in the beginning or end of homework time, this way it becomes a habit. 

Consistent practice will help your child to gain the full benefits of instrumental music instruction. 

There are very few after-school events that occur with involvement in elementary instrumental music. 

Students have one to two concerts a year that are part of their instrumental music experience.