3rd Grade Information

Welcome Back!

For those of you that I have not yet had the opportunity to meet, my name is Ms. Bork! This is my third year here at Arts Academy Elementary School. I have studied flute since I was in fourth grade, and greatly enjoy playing and learning each of the other instruments. I love working with students as they are beginning their instrumental journeys! If you have a question, feel free to reach out to me at any time! Here’s what you need to know:

Instrumental Lessons. What are they?

In addition to arts classes taken everyday, we offer optional lessons to learn an instrument.

When will their lesson be?

Their first lesson will be a 30 minute Zoom meeting. The following week will be an assignment on FlipGrid that they will be expected to submit during the week. The third week will be a Zoom lesson and so on. Zoom will be every other week with their lesson scheduled at the same time. You will be contacted to confirm a lesson time after submitting the form to sign up for lessons. We will remain in this format for the duration of virtual learning unless communicated otherwise.

What instruments can my child play?

We are offering lessons to third grade for strings instruments. These include violin, viola, cello, and double bass. (Next year, in fourth grade, they will have the option of continuing on the same string instrument as third grade, or they may switch to a band instrument or guitar)

What will my child need before starting lessons?

* An instrument

* A music book (generally $8-10) (I will provide title and link)

How do I get an instrument?

* Use an instrument you already have at home!

* Ask family/friends if they might have one

* Purchase or rent an instrument from local music stores, such as:

* Montero Violins: 902 Chestnut Street, Emmaus, PA 18049

Montero specializes in string instruments. A violin rents for just under $20 a month or about $125 for a year. 25-42% of your rental fee can be applied to purchasing a new instrument when you are ready to do so down the road. They also have music books and orchestra supplies.

*Nazareth Music Center: 162 South Main Street, Nazareth PA 18064

Prices per month to rent vary based on the instrument. 100% of your rental fee is applied towards the cost of the instrument. 28 months of rental fees are applied, which will total just about the cost of the instrument for you to then own it.

* Rent/Loan an instrument from AAECS

We have a limited inventory of instruments available. If you use this option, there is a minimal, one-time fee based on both instrument preference and availability! If you are offered the use of a school instrument, arrangements will be made for you to pick up the instrument and music they will start with.

What performance opportunities are there for my student?

At this time there are no current performances planned as we are virtual. As the year progresses, we will be exploring ways that we are able to showcase our instrumental students in the virtual environment until we are able to perform in person!

How can I contact you with questions or concerns?

I can be reached by email, cbork@artsacademyecs.org. I can also be reached anytime through dojo messages! (I am not yet connected to all of the current classroom dojos, so you may have to look for me in your child’s class from last year!) If you would prefer to speak directly, then please email me and I would be happy to arrange a time to speak with you! You may also call the school and they will get me in contact with you!

What do I need to do now?

If your child is interested in taking instrumental lessons this year, fill out the form on the website or a form at the school. You do not need to do both! This should be returned to the school or emailed to Ms. Bork by Friday 18th, 2020. You may still submit the form after that date, however I will begin scheduling lessons the following week. Lessons will begin the following week. If you are renting or purchasing from a music store, please try to do so by Monday, September 28th. I will reach out after forms are due to confirm your child’s choice of instrument and to confirm their scheduled lesson time and arrange the pick up of music and an instrument (if applicable).