Middle School is a great time to make new friends and try new things. The Stafford Middle School Orchestra is the perfect place to do that because we are one giant family! The friends you make and the experiences you have will help you achieve your potential in middle school. Plus, your friends will be with you through middle school and on into high school. The coordination learned from fingering with the left hand and bowing with the right are contrary-motion skills that will help you throughout your life. Eye/hand coordination from music reading adds a third dimension to your skill set. Orchestra is a great place for any student!
In addition to a huge academic impact, orchestra also provides a great creative outlet. Learning to play and mastering a musical instrument, allows a student to express themselves in a variety of methods. Students will have the ability to perform the music of the great composers, as well as become a composer themselves! They will also be surrounded by other students who are just like them. This provides them with a sense of identity they will create in middle school, but that will last the rest of their lives.
What About the Research?
Research shows that students who are members of orchestra consistently perform at the highest levels on the SAT/ACT tests as well as receiving the highest grades in their academic classes. Orchestra members are also frequently awarded college scholarships based on their participation in music, even if they do not plan to be a music major.
Current brain research indicates that many people naturally think musically - especially as young children. As parents and educators it is imperative that we value creative thinking in children and ensure that their capacities forlearning music are as fully developed as possible. In order to achieve this goal, music classes taught by specialists should be part of every student's school day,
Craig Welle
Texas ASCD, Fine Arts Network Chair
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What instruments are in the orchestra?
A: We have five different instruments in the orchestra at Stafford. Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Harp.
Q: I play the piano, is that a good thing?
A: YES! Actually, if you have music experience you would be great in the orchestra program. If you have had at least two years of formal piano lessons, you qualify to audition for our Stafford Harp Program. This is a special opportunity that can only be extended to three students per school year.
However, NO prior musical experience or music reading is required to be a violin, viola, cello, or bass player--95% of our students have never played an instrument before and started in the 6th grade learning how to hold the instrument and read music.
Q: Is string double bass the same as an electric bass?
A: Yes it is! In fact, the string bass and electric bass have the same strings and note names. The only difference is that an electric bass has frets and you hold it horizontally, while the string bass is played sitting or standing vertically, or upright and is played with the bow.
Q: Why should I choose to be in orchestra in the 6th grade and not another elective?
A: Great Question! Stringed instruments are played with a bow (the long wooden stick thing). The bow is our special voice and we can play lots of cool techniques with it. Starting orchestra in the sixth grade will better prepare you for all the fun and cool pieces you want to play later. If you know you want to play an instrument, play in the orchestra your sixth grade year, then in your seventh grade you can choose another elective to add.
Q: Does the orchestra participate in fun activities outside of school?
A: We sure do!!! Mrs. Rutledge loves to reward the orchestras by taking them to various contests. We also go on field trips to local symphony orchestras and sometimes we even go to Six Flags at the end of the year! We have lots of fun parties throughout the year as well.
Q: I am involved in lots of activities outside of school and I don't think I will have time to practice, what should I do?
A: Well, practice time is important, but.it doesn't matter what elective you choose, you will need to put in some homework time for every class anyways and the cool part about orchestra is practicing is your homework! :)
Q: I'm pretty small right now. How can I possibly play those big instruments?
A: Another great question! Actually, orchestra instruments are perfect for young students because they are made of wood and can fit any size person, unlike band instruments (they only come in one size). They make small versions of every instrument so you don't have to worry about orchestra instruments being to big. As you grow, you can get your instrument exchanged for a bigger one. cool, huh?
Q: Is orchestra expensive? I don't think I can afford it
A: Most students rent their instruments from area music stores. There are very affordable options for every instrument. Do NOT let cost stop you from playing. We will help every student/family find an instrument that fits their budget.
Q: Is there orchestra in high school?
A: Yes, all of the Frisco high schools have great orchestra programs, but you have to have already been playing in middle school to be able to play in high school, so make sure to sign up in 6th grade!