LOMS Orchestra
Instrument Match Day
Click on the green sign up button for a 10 minute Instrument Match interview slot. During this 10 minute interview, we'll meet and talk about beginning orchestra and the possibilities of instruments to play for next school year. Please do not rent or buy an instruments before meeting with Mr. Lethridge!
2023-2024 Interest Form
Please follow this link to complete the interest form for joining orchestra next year!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdh9eR2IAwWFQ9erohCkXGP4bHiwZF6AUGF7y9gRo49_4MiWQ/viewform
LOMS Orchestra Calendar '22-'23 School Year
Upcoming Events
Beginner String Fling …………….Thursday February 2nd 7:00pm at Hopson Field House
Meet your director,
Mr. Lethridge
Greetings, I'm Mr. Ricky Lethridge. This is my first year teaching at Lake Olympia MS, and 6th year teaching overall. I believe that teaching students the fundamentals properly will set them up for any challenge in the future. That's why I became a middle school orchestra director. I want to pass down the same techniques and skills that I was taught that equipped me for life. I grew up in Houston, TX in Klein ISD. Originally a cello player, I switched to Double Bass and have learned all of the string instruments in some capacity. In my time as a performer, I've studied with many great notable Double Bassists like Jeffrey Bradetich, Dennis Whittaker, Long Le, Catalin Rotaru and more. In my free time, I enjoy composing music & performing at weddings and small events. I'm an avid reader as well as a gamer. I look forward to meeting you and creating beautiful music with our Lake Olympia students!
Ricky Lethridge
Ricky.Lethridge@fortbendisd.com
281-329-4548 (Office)
FBISD'S PROFILE OF A GRADUATE
A Fort Bend ISD Graduate has
a rigorous academic foundation,
strong character, and is...
...equipped with skills for life.
...a servant leader.
...an effective communicator.
...a critical thinker.
...a compassionate citizen.
...a collaborative team member.
...a life-long learner.
Orchestra frequently asked questions
"Does Orchestra class happen during the school day?"
Yes, Orchestra is a part of the school day. Students will come to Orchestra every day for at least 50 minutes a day. There may be before/after school rehearsals that students have to participate in depending on their orchestra level.
"Why does my child need a separate binder for Orchestra? "
In Orchestra, we need our music readily available, free of clutter from other classes. In the orchestra binder there are forms, technical exercises, concert music, other music, and theory notes. Our students need a separate binder to keep all of those things organized.
"My student is joining orchestra and we have a violin from a relative that does not play any more. Can my child use that instrument when they start orchestra?"
It is possible however if the child needs a smaller or larger sized instrument, they will not be able to use it. Stringed Instruments are like shoes, they come in many different sizes and it is important that your child starts on the proper sized instrument for their body.
"If something breaks, who should I contact?"
Please contact me first so I can evaluate the damage and see the next course of action. Broken/untuned strings, loose jaw rests, etc. can be fixed by an orchestra teacher. Parts of the instrument that have been completely broken or damaged may need to go to a string shop for repairs.
Orchestra Facts and testimonials
Orchestra accesses all four core areas of instruction: We use math while learning about note values and rhythm. While reading our notes and reviewing concepts we access English and Italian reading. We learn about the physics behind music making when we learn about string playing technique. When studying music of the past, we access music history.
Orchestra also helps with building social skills whether we are learning music together to perform in class or in a concert/contest. Some of my fondest memories growing up were made in orchestra when I was able to perform music with my friends. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals can give students a sense of community and life-long bonds that can lead them anywhere in life. Although many of my friends and colleagues started playing young, they are now successful adults in career fields that are music related and not even close to music. Building good life habits starts here in Orchestra!