6th grade orchestra

Important Dates

• Wednesday, August 26th and Thursday, August 27th - Instrumental Demonstration Days at Elementary Schools

• Thursday, August 27th - 6th Grade Instrumental Parent Meeting

• Wednesday, September 2nd - Registration

• Week of Monday, September 7th - Instrument Distribution Week (schedule inside)

• Week of Monday, September 14th - Classes begin and are each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Registration

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 2nd in the Bertha Frank from 2:30- 5:30pm. Please allow 20-35 minutes for registration. 

There are 3 steps for registration:

1. Please complete the online interest form that will be sent via email by registration. This will help us set instrumentation and expedite the registration process.

2. A $20 orchestra fee is due at registration: cash or check. Make checks out to: “Morton Jr. High School.”

3. Purchase or rent an instrument on the Bertha Frank stage. Kidder Music will have several representatives present to explain the rental and/or purchase of instruments, method book and supplies. Be prepared to make financial arrangements at this time. If you already own an instrument, we ask that you bring the instrument to the registration so it may be checked that it is in proper working condition.

^If a student wishes to play bass, they will need to start on cello and then audition for bass in the spring

Instrument Distribution Week

The first week of student attendance is the week after registration. Kidder Music will deliver the instruments and supplies to MJHS. The students will learn how to care for and assemble the instruments at this time. Students who own their instruments should plan on attending and bring their instrument and supplies to this meeting. Each elementary school has one morning to themselves at the junior high for this lesson.

Tuesday, Sept 8, 7:35 - 9:05 Lincoln 

Wednesday, Sept 9, 7:35 - 9:05 Grundy

Thursday, Sept 10, 7:35- 9:05 Brown

Friday, Sept 11, 7:35 - 9:05 Jefferson

Rehearsal Schedule

The 6th grade orchestra practices start on Monday, September 14th, at MJHS. Practices are on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:35 - 8:05am. orchestra is a full year commitment through May 9, 2025. One day a week, the students will stay at MJHS until 9:05am for small group instruction. Students will be bussed back to their elementary school after small group lessons.

Small Group Schedule

Stays at the junior high until 9:05 on the following days

Monday - Lincoln 

Tuesday - Grundy 

Thursday - Lettie Brown

Friday - Jefferson

Transportation And Drop-Off

Students who live on a bus route may ride the MJHS bus to orchestra practice. All students will be bussed to their elementary school after orchestra practice. Please contact Julie Tharp: Julie.Tharp@mcusd709.org for questions regarding bus transportation. Parents driving students to practice should drop-off students at the main entrance.

Absences

If a student is sick or unable to attend any practice, please send an email to billy.akers@mcusd709.org or text 309-264-6342 to report the absence.

Goals & Expectations

Orchestra is a full year course. A positive attitude and a commitment to the entire year of orchestra are necessary. Attendance (with the exception of excused absences) is required at all orchestra practices. Being a successful musician is the result of steady practice and effort. Students should practice for least 60 minutes a week outside of orchestra rehearsals.

Contact

Most of our information, announcements, newsletters, schedules, resources, concert dates and much more will be shared using our website using the QR Code below.For orchestra questions, please contact Billy Akers - billy.akers@mcusd709.org.