Beginning Orchestra

Welcome to Beginning Orchestra!

I’m Mr. Taperek, the orchestra director here at Hough and I’m so excited you’re interested in playing a string instrument! Orchestra is an incredible place to make music, meet new friends, and learn skills that you’ll have for the rest of your life. Hough has an amazing orchestra program with 3 different levels and you’ll be able to continue your music education throughout your time at Hough. Whether you’re looking to pursue a musical passion, try something new, or just enjoy music, I think you’ll love orchestra. Feel free to reach out to me anytime! I’m here to help and can’t wait to begin making music. And don’t forget to register for orchestra class!

There are two opportunities coming up to visit the orchestra room, try out the different instruments, and get a feel for what orchestra class might be like.

Please send Mr. Taperek an email at kmstephenj.taperek@cms.k12.nc.us with any questions!

Why should I join orchestra?

There are so many reasons students choose and love orchestra! Here are just a few:

Music is fun! Scientifically, interacting with others and music causes your brain to release endorphins. In simple language, music is fun. And it’s a skill that you will learn in this beginning orchestra class and beyond.
Music is a powerful, complex force. It can make us feel joyous and alive or it can bring on waves of sadness. It has the power to inspire, bring people together, and create memories. It’s a form of self-expression when words fail us.
Music makes you smarter. Playing music is basically giving the brain a multi-sensory workout that strengthens memory, helps you focus, and even improves reading ability. Playing music requires you to use both the left side of the brain (the analytical, nerdy part that interprets all those notes on the page) and the right side of the brain (the creative side that hears and feels music). Tapping into both sides is a real world superpower.
Music creates community and connection. Music is universal, an art form we all can share. It brings people together. Playing music together is a unique experience like no other. I’m pretty sure you’ll come away from orchestra class with new friends and new ways of connecting with others.

What instruments are in a string orchestra?

There are four instruments in a string orchestra – violin, viola, cello, and upright or double bass.

String instruments are played by drawing a bow across a string. Different pitches/notes are created by putting fingers down on the string and by playing on a higher or lower string. Instruments that have strings but not a bow (such as piano, guitar, and harp) are technically considered a percussion instrument and are not usually part of a string orchestra.

Here’s a short video that shows each instrument in action: https://video.link/w/H5DA

Violin

The highest sounding string instrument
Plays the melody most often
There are more violins (maybe it’s the most popular???) in the orchestra than any other instrument and they’re usually divided into two groups – 1st violins and 2nd violins.
Fun fact: a violin and a fiddle are actually the same instrument–it’s just a different style and type of music.

Viola

Looks just like a violin, but it’s slightly larger and sounds lower
Has a dark, deep sound
Violas usually play the middle harmony notes and don’t usually have to play virtuosic solos

Cello

You sit down to play this instrument
It has the widest range of pitch–it can play both low and high notes and has a sweet, mellow sound
It often plays the bass line in orchestra but then also has some great melody lines too

Upright Bass

This is the lowest instrument and you’ll have to stand up to play this instrument
Basses usually play the lowest, harmony line in orchestra–they’re kind of the backbone to keep the rest of the orchestra together
Upright basses also sometimes heard playing in both jazz bands and bluegrass bands

What will I need for class?

There are a couple of important things you’ll need for orchestra class.

Class fee: $75 (this pays for all of your music for the year, an orchestra t-shirt you’ll use for concerts, concert costs, and a small amount to help cover classroom equipment costs)
An instrument! Don’t panic - Go to the Instrument Resources page for more info.
Binder
Pencil
Your school issued Chromebook

Note: Hough Orchestra has an awesome booster that fundraises throughout the year and helps fund orchestra costs. There are orchestra scholarships on a very limited basis. Students who play cello and bass may use school instruments while they are at school and will use their personal instrument at home. (Large instruments are not allowed on the yellow buses.)

What are the class expectations?

My biggest expectation for students is that they give their best effort. Every student has potential and talent is developed through hard work. We will have fun and work hard in orchestra class.

There will be two orchestra concerts that all students are required to play in – one in December and one at the end of the year.
You’ll need to practice at home. Playing an instrument is a skill and skills are developed with repetition.
Plan to work hard, learn new skills, create friendships and community through music, and perform together.
All students will be respected and accepted. The orchestra classroom culture values kindness and collaboration.

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