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You're Excited - We're Excited!
You're Excited - We're Excited!
Join the excitement of orchestra in our school district and discover the joy of creating music together! Orchestra is an incredible opportunity for students to build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and gain a lifelong appreciation for music. Each instrument in the string family—violin, viola, cello, and bass—has its own unique sound and role within the orchestra. We encourage students to explore each instrument firsthand, allowing them to find the one that best suits their personality and musical interests.
This is a critical opportunity for your child, as ensemble instruction begins in fifth grade for all KUSD students and the district does not officially offer beginner orchestra programs at the middle school level.
Check out these links for elementary expectations and curriculum requirements.
Recruitment & Registration Timeline
Recruitment & Registration Timeline
4th grade students take a field trip by mid-April to experience a high school concert featuring a band, orchestra and choir (B.O.C.).
Family discussions about the groups and various instruments / voice types they are most interested in.
Express your interest by completing the 4th Grade Music Interest Form - CLOSED
Once the interest form is completed, the orchestra teacher at your school will let you try a few instruments and fit you on the correct size.
Register your child for orchestra:
Summer Orchestra (start in June - 5 week session) - CLOSED
Fall Orchestra (start in September) - CLOSED
Once school starts, 5th grade orchestra students will receive one weekly, 30-minute, small group lesson during the school day beginning the third week of school (mid-September).
Materials & Supplies
Materials & Supplies
Families should provide a violin, viola, cello, or upright bass with corresponding accessories (below). Renting from a reputable music store is a great option for beginners and growing musicians, offering well-maintained instruments and the flexibility to try different options. Renting also allows for easy upgrades as students grow, supporting their musical journey while keeping costs manageable - often less than $1 a day!
DO NOT PURCHASE musical instruments online (ESPECIALLY AMAZON)! Instruments sold online often are of poor quality and are more like toys than actual musical tools. They sound bad, don't stay in tune, require expensive fixes due to their cheap construction, and are difficult to play. This can lead to frustration for your student and pose a higher chance they'll give up and quit.
All instruments will be required to travel from home to school on lesson days.
Required materials/accessories include Essential Elements Book 1 (instrument specific), shoulder rest/pouch (violin/viola), rock stop (cello/bass), Snark Tuner and rosin. We HIGHLY encourage that students own a music stand (folding is fine!) for at-home practice. A music stand mimics the school setup and allows students to maintain correct posture while playing.
EE for Strings Book 1
All Students
Folding Stand
All Students
Snark Tuner
All Students
Shoulder Rest
Violin/Viola
Shoulder Rest Pouch
Violin/Viola
Endpin Stop
Cello/Bass
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
We believe every student should have the chance to join orchestra. Our program offers a “need-based” option for families who apply and qualify for KUSD free/reduced benefits. Proof of income is required to be eligible. Materials are on a first come, first serve basis; students are not guaranteed an instrument due to limited inventory. Please reach out to your orchestra director for more information, or click below.
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