FAQs

What instruments are offered in orchestra class?

Students have the opportunity to learn the violin, viola, cello, and string bass in orchestra class. 

How can I help my student decide between the four string instruments offered in orchestra?

Expanding their musical exposure will help your student get an idea of which instrument they would like to learn. In addition to attending concerts and trying out at a local music shop, here is a site created by the Minnesota Orchestra that provides a great introduction to the violin, viola, cello, and bass. 

Is previous experience required to be in orchestra class?

Not at all! 6th grade orchestra offers beginning instruction and students are not expected to have any prior experience. 

What if my student has experience playing a string instrument before middle school?

We are fortunate to have students achieving at a very high level in the Upper Arlington Orchestra program and there are many great opportunities for students entering middle school with experience on a string instrument to grow and shine. Students with prior skills will be challenged in a variety of ways throughout the year as appropriate for that student. A few examples include adding additional challenges beyond our daily in-class curriculum for a specific student, creating opportunities to perform at Solo & Ensemble, and inviting students with the appropriate skills to audition for our extracurricular advanced ensemble (Hastings Honors Orchestra or Jones Chamber Orchestra).

Can my student participate in orchestra as well as choir or band?

Yes! Participating in multiple music areas is an option in both middle school and high school. Depending on scheduling, middle school students would either alternate which music class they attend during a single class period or they would have music classes during both of their "related arts" class periods each day.  

Do orchestra students have the opportunity to participate in trips during middle school?

Yes! We have a long-standing tradition of providing the opportunity for our orchestra students to travel, if they choose to. 

Every two years we take a trip to Chicago with 7th and 8th grade orchestra students where we perform at the Field Museum, participate in a clinic at the Vandercook College of Music, attend a performance event (such as Medieval Times), and visit numerous must-see sights around the city. 

On the years between Chicago trips, we travel to Kings Island with any interested 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestra students. This is a wonderful day of community building and a fun way to celebrate the end of the school year! 

When should I get my orchestra instrument?

We ask new orchestra families to wait until August of your student's 6th grade year to rent an instrument. At that point in time, we will contact you about opportunities to have your child measured for the correct instrument size and provide information on the instrument shops that we advise you choose between when renting an instrument.   

Do I need to rent an instrument for my student to participate in orchestra class?

The majority of families do rent an instrument from one of our recommended music instrument vendors until their student has grown into a full size. All incoming 6th grade families will be asked to wait until the beginning of the school year to rent their instrument. 

String instruments are made in "fractional" sizes, meaning that a younger student can begin playing on a smaller size and then trade up as they grow. For this reason, renting is a more reliable and cheaper long-term option because you will not be stuck with a smaller instrument that your child has grown out of. Renting also comes with the benefits of free instrument upkeep and equity earned toward the future purchase of an instrument. 

It is also very important that financial need is never a barrier to a student's participation in playing a string instrument. We have a limited inventory of school-owned instruments for need-based student use and the orchestra staff will take any steps that we are able to ensure all students access. 

Does orchestra require a lot of time after school?

Not at all! Typically, 6th and 7th grade students will perform in 2-3 concerts each school year. 8th grade students usually perform 4-5 times each school year. While occasional events and opportunities may pop up throughout the year, students do not have a high demand outside of the classroom and we are very aware that many students have additional commitments during evenings and weekends.  

Can someone help my child choose which string instrument to should play?

Of course! This is a question for incoming 5th grade and new 6th grade students. We will go over the differences between instruments in class and we are always happy to schedule individual times to talk through instrument options. Most important is that you register for orchestra on your student's middle school schedule if they are interested in participating!