6th grade orchestra

6th Grade Orchestra Dates for 2025-2026

• Wednesday, August 27th and Thursday, August 28th - Instrumental Demonstration Days at Elementary Schools

• Thursday, August 28th - 6th Grade Instrumental Parent Meeting at 5:30pm at Bertha Frank

• Wednesday, September 3rd - Registration 2:30-5:30pm at Bertha Frank

• Week of Monday, September 8th - Instrument Distribution Week (schedule below)

• Week of Monday, September 15th - Classes begin and are each Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday until the final class on Tuesday, May 12th

Concert schedule

• Winter Concert - Thursday, December 11th at 7pm at the High School with 6th through 12th grade

• Festival Concert - Friday, February 27th from 3-5:30pm at the Bertha Frank with a judge in time slots for 6th through 12th grade

• Spring Concert - Thursday, April 30th at 7pm in the Kiln at the Junior High for 6th through 8th grade

REGISTRATION

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 3rd in the Bertha Frank from 2:30- 5:30pm. Please allow 20-35 minutes for registration. Kidder music will also be at registration to get the rental process started if you are renting an instrument. 

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. You can look at the prices ahead of time by looking at their online rental prices HERE.

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. I ask that those families renting a bass

 Monday, Sept 8, 7:35 - 9:05 Lincoln 

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

Thursday, Sept 11, 7:35- 9:05 Brown

Friday, Sept 12, 7:35 - 9:05 Jefferson

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

The 6th grade orchestra practices start on Monday, September 15th, 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 at all times. Students should practice for least 60 minutes a week outside of orchestra rehearsals.

ORCHESTRA WEBSITE

Most of our information, announcements, newsletters, schedules, resources, concert dates and much more will be shared using our website. - I highly suggest you bookmark this website on your phone to quickly find concert dates and musical games for your student(s) and much more. - https://sites.google.com/view/mjhso/home

PRIVATE LESSONS

We highly recommend private lessons for all orchestra students. This is the best way to stay motivated and make most of your investment! You can find the list of private teachers on the website. LINK

CONTACT

For orchestra questions, please contact Billy Akers - billy.akers@mcusd709.org.