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Frequently Asked Questions - for Students
Frequently Asked Questions - for Students
What do I get to do in Strings?
Strings is a chance to learn how to play a string instrument from the orchestra - violin, viola, or cello - in a group with other kids playing other instruments all at the same time.
What do I have to do in Strings?
Playing a stringed instrument is not an easy thing to do, especially when first starting. You will need to come to class on time, be prepared to work hard, even practice a little bit at home, and allow yourself to make mistakes - because it WILL happen! That is just part of learning something new. But so is having fun, and accomplishing something that used to seem impossible is such an exciting experience!
Why not the bass?
A string bass (also known as double bass, acoustic bass, upright bass, bass violin, etc.) is a VERY large instrument that can be both heavy and awkward to carry around. If you want to learn the bass you should start with cello (as those instruments both read the same notes) and then can switch to the bass once you are in Middle School.
Why not guitar?
While a guitar DOES have strings, it is not one of the string instruments usually found in an orchestra. Our group focuses on the traditional orchestral bowed strings (instruments that play with a bow).
Who can participate?
Beginning Strings is for 5th Grade students throughout all of the West Valley Schools (Elementary Schools, City School, Virtual Learning Center), so there will be kids from other schools there, too!
Do I have to already know how to play an instrument?
Nope! Beginning Strings is just that - for beginners. We will teach you everything you need to start playing your instrument.
Do I have to know how to read music?
No! Part of learning the instrument is learning how to read the printed music. But each of the three instruments reads notes differently (which can actually be helpful to some people when they are trying to figure out which instrument to play - especially anyone who has already taken piano lessons!). The violin reads the Treble Clef; Viola reads the Alto Clef; and the cello reads Bass Clef. If that doesn’t mean anything to you, don’t worry about it - just pick the instrument you like best and we’ll teach you the notes!
I'm kinda small - does that mean I have to play the violin because it's the smallest?
I'm kinda tall - does that mean I have to play the cello because it's the biggest?
Nope! You can play your favorite instrument no matter what size it is. Each of the three instruments for Strings can be made in different sizes, so you can pick the instrument that you like the best! Music stores that rent instruments will have the different sizes and help you find the one that is the just right fit for you.
What sort of stuff do we get to play?
String instruments are great fun because they are used in all different types of music - classical, jazz, country, pop, rock, and much more (check out Two Cellos on YouTube for some cool examples of what can be done by professionals!). Our group will mostly focus on the basics of classical music, because these are the skills that are needed to play all styles of music. As we get good at those basic skills, we may start to try a few things in some other styles of music, too!
What if the strings get out of tune?
Strings on these instruments can go out of tune often. It could be from getting bumped, it could be from the weather, or it could be for no reason at all! As a beginning strings player, we will ask you to leave it alone and just let us fix it for you during class. Next year, in middle school orchestra, you will learn how to properly tune the strings yourself.
What happens when I get to Middle School and High School?
Centennial Middle School and West Valley High School both have strings classes you can take (for credit). At Centennial Middle School, there is an Intermediate Strings class as well as the Avian String Orchestra, both of which are classes that meet during the regular school day. West Valley High School has a String Orchestra class that meets at the same time as our class, so we might get a chance to hear them play a few times this year!
Frequently Asked Questions - for Parents
Frequently Asked Questions - for Parents
When does Strings meet?
Beginning Strings meets twice per week, at 8:00 a.m.
Violins - Mondays/Tuesdays (tentatively)
Violas/Cellos - Wednesdays/Thursdays (tentatively)
How does my child get to Strings?
Students can be dropped off at the West Valley High School main entrance starting at 7:45 a.m. For families who live within WVSD boundaries, you may also be able to enroll your beginning musician for school bus transportation to WVHS in the morning. Please note that they would use an existing high school/middle school bus stop, and some exclusions apply. Also, there is no bus within about a mile radius of the high school (HS walk zone); however, for those living north of the tracks there are some bus stops so that kids don't need to walk across the tracks - contact the WVSD Transportation Department for more information about bus stops and times: (509) 922-5467.
How does my child get back to school?
District buses take elementary music students to their own school after rehearsal.
What if my child needs to eat breakfast?
School breakfasts are available at your child’s school when they return from Strings at the start of the school day.
What does my child need for Strings?
Every student in Strings will need to have access to an instrument, and instruments are not provided (see next question for information on instrument rental). In addition to having an instrument on which to play, we use the Essential Elements for Strings Book 1, and ask that every student has their own copy of the one for their particular instrument (books are available locally at music stores or online). This allows not only for practicing at home, but also to write helpful reminders directly on their own music.
Also, playing in an orchestra can be similar to playing sports, in that it requires teamwork and an openness to receive coaching. Other qualities that are helpful to learning an instrument include a strong work ethic, willingness to make mistakes, and desire to improve.
Where can I rent an instrument?
Renting an instrument (as opposed to buying one) is strongly recommended, especially for beginning players. All of the instruments are available in various sizes, and kids this age can grow quickly. Renting an instrument from a local music store has many benefits, which can vary based on each shop’s policies, so be sure to understand the terms of your contract. Some common practices could include assistance in getting fitted with the right size instrument, providing the case and bow (sometimes called an ‘outfit’), free/discount on regular maintenance (string repair, bow hair repair, etc.), replacement instrument to use during a major repair, or a rent-to-own program, where a portion of the rental fees can be applied to purchase of an instrument at a later date. Click here for a list of music stores in our area.
Cautions About Buying: String instruments can be quite expensive to purchase, and the fractional sizes can sometimes be outgrown relatively quickly for the cost. Unless your child is taking private lessons and playing their instrument regularly, we do not recommend buying until they have committed to playing for several consecutive years and have grown to a full size instrument. When considering an instrument purchase, we again recommend working with a local music store, where your child can physically play multiple instruments and hear the sound differences between the various options. Purchasing online - especially on auction sites - carries significant risk. Often an instrument that looks nice in a photo might have issues with sound, set-up, playability, etc., and leave the buyer no way to evaluate the quality before making payment. There are, however, some reputable internet dealers that do provide good customer service. If your family is seriously considering making a purchase, feel free to contact us, as we would be more than happy to give some guidance.
What if we can’t get an instrument?
If renting an instrument presents a hardship that might keep your child from being able to participate in Strings, please contact us. The district does have a limited number of instruments available for rent and there may be some ways that we might be able to help alleviate that burden a bit to help your child get involved in Strings.
What can I do to support my child’s participation in Strings?
What a GREAT question; thanks for asking! A few simple things that we have found to be immensely helpful:
Get your child to class regularly and on time
Attendance is key, especially for beginners. We have a short amount of time to work with the kids, so making sure they are here is necessary for them to get as much instruction as possible.
Provide time and space in which to practice
Practicing is difficult, especially when first starting out and not having much yet to play. The most helpful thing is to encourage your child to regularly set aside some time to practice - even if just a few minutes. The discipline of making Strings a priority is something that most kids this age will need some help with.
Understand that it is a (slow) process
Chances are things won’t sound perfect (good) at first. It can take days or even weeks to learn the skills that result in a musical sound. Be encouraging, as this can be frustrating (even for professionals!); however, consistent, diligent work will yield steady progress.
Attend concerts and show support
Remember, you are your child's biggest fan!!
Should we consider getting private lessons in addition to playing in Strings?
Private lessons can be a great way to get individualized coaching on playing technique as well as an opportunity to focus on playing some solo repertoire. None of this is necessary, and your child can be very successful in Beginning Strings without that. Should interest in their instrument grow to the point that your child begins seriously considering continuing to play through Middle and High School and on into College, private lessons might be worth considering. There are many private teachers in our area, and lesson location, rates, frequency, and duration can all vary. If you feel that private lessons might be an option that you are considering, feel free to contact us, as we would be more than happy to give some guidance and/or talk through some of the considerations to keep in mind when setting up private lessons.
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