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We cannot wait to have you in band, orchestra or choir next year at Edgewood!
Please let us know if you would like to join the Edgewood 5th Grade Choir (singing) or learn an instrument (violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion)
We have lots of fun in middle school music! It is a great way to make friends, learn an instrument/sing and express yourself through music. We sing/play a large variety of styles of music and have so much fun making music together at Edgewood!
We will teach you everything you need to know to be successful in music class at Edgewood. In addition to making music in class, students enjoy performing at concerts and special events, field trips and more!
Instrument Fitting Night
Students will have a chance to play instruments at our band and orchestra instrument fitting night the first week of school in August. This is the time to finalize your instrument choice.
Questions?
Orchestra and Choir- Mrs. Barko
wstr_rbarko@woostercityschools.org
Band- Mr. Fleischaker
wstr_dfleischaker@woostercityschools.org
Common Questions
When is band/orchestra/choir class?
Performing music classes are offered during the school day at Edgewood. Band/orchestra meets daily in the morning and choir is in the afternoon. Some students are able to be in music classes 5 days a week and some attend 3 days a week based on other scheduling needs.
What if I don't know anything about music?
That’s ok! We will teach your child everything they need to know, step by step. First year instruction includes everything from how to take care of the instrument to reading notes and rhythms. We will guide your child through the entire process of learning their new instrument! All that is needed from you is an enthusiastic attitude and patient ears when your child comes home and makes their first sounds.
How much out of school time is required?
Students are encouraged to practice at home regularly. Practice sessions could be 10-15 minutes long. There will be 3 evening concerts where the students will get to showcase what they are learning in class.
What instrument should my child play?
The answer depends on a variety of things, but in the end, it is most important that they play something that they enjoy. We encourage you visit the website www.bepartofthemusic.org, watch the different instrument videos with your child, and discuss the different options. We will also help guide your child based on their musical interests, physical make-up, and instrument availability. When debating between instruments it is best to choose the instrument your child likes "hearing" the most.
What are the costs?
You can rent a quality instrument from a local music store at a very reasonable price. If financial constraints prevent you from being able to rent an instrument, please contact your music teacher. We have some school instruments available for students who are unable to rent from a music store. Other costs include a $14 polo shirt for the concert uniform and getting a method book for band and orchestra classes.
How do I get an instrument?
Please attend our Instrument Fitting Night the first week of school in August. At this event we will help you finalize what instrument your child should play and give you all the information about renting from a recommended music store. The school provides large instruments for at school use. Please contact your orchestra teacher if you are worried about affording an instrument for your child. More information about our recommended local music stores can be found on the Edgewood Music page.
Instrument Rental Information
Every child should have the opportunity to play the instrument they would like to play. If you have financial concerns about renting from a music store please contact your band/orchestra teacher. We have some school instruments available for student use.
String instruments come in various sizes. Orchestra students should have their instrument size checked by the music store representative or orchestra teacher during their instrument fittings. Adults typically play a full size violin, 16-17 inch viola, full size cello or a 3/4 size bass. 5th graders are often a 1/2 or 3/4 size violin/cello, a 1/4 or 1/2 size bass or a 11-14 inch viola. Before you rent an instrument please have your child's instrument size checked.
What to expect from a music store:
A quality instrument
A rent-to-own plan so that your money goes toward the eventual purchase of the instrument
Consider a protection/insurance plan to protect you from instrument damage
Excellent service
Rent or Buy?
Rent or Buy?
For orchestra class we suggest renting an instrument as opposed to buying an instrument during the first year of instruction for two main reasons: 1) Each string instrument comes in multiple sizes to fit different size students. If you rent an instrument, each change in instrument size is as simple as swapping with the rental company, making rental a great choice while students are still growing. IF you buy an instrument, when your child grows you will need to buy another instrument. 2) When renting from a high quality music store there is insurance built into the cost of each instrument rental. If your child breaks their instrument or has an accident with a rental, the shop will simply fix/replace that instrument at no additional cost to you. If you purchase an instrument then you would have to foot the bill for any damage to your child’s instrument. In our experience, MOST accidents and damage happen in the first year of orchestra while they are learning the basics of instrument care.
Does my child need to bring their instrument to school for class?
Does my child need to bring their instrument to school for class?
This initially seems like a silly question. Kids need an instrument in order to learn an instrument! However, cello and double basses are too large to be allowed on the school bus. For this reason, the district provides the larger instruments for students to use during class. Violin/Viola students will always need to bring their own instruments to and from school. Cello/Bass students will be provided with a school instrument to use during class and will need another instrument at home for practice and concerts.
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