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4th Grade Beginning Orchestra
Students entering 4th grade will be given the option to choose a music course for the entire school year. Students selecting orchestra as their class will have instruction on reading music and playing one of the four major string instruments offered: violin, viola, cello, and double bass.
4th grade music class meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:25-10:10am. Students will need to bring their instruments and materials for orchestra class each day. Violin & viola students will be assigned a shelf to keep their case on in the orchestra room. Cello & bass students will be assigned school instruments, but need to rent one to keep at home for practicing. It is also important that these students regularly bring their instrument in for the teacher to tune the strings, mark finger placement on the fingerboard, and check overall maintenance of the instrument and bow.
The 4th Grade Beginning Orchestra will perform twice during the school year. The first "debut" performance will be an open house Christmas performance to take place during the school day in December. The second performance will be a spring concert in conjunction with other lower school band, orchestra, and vocal ensembles.
Our goal is always working towards greater performance levels, so regular home practice habits are extremely important. Weekly practice records are part of each student's grade in orchestra. Students should return to class each week, having practiced music from the previous orchestra classes. It is equally important that parents keep up with their child's progress to insure a positive orchestral experience.
Required Materials for 4th Grade Beginning Orchestra:
1. Instrument, bow, & case in good condition - clearly labeled with student's name.
2. Mandatory accessories, clearly labeled with student's name:
o All instruments = rosin
o All instruments = spare set of strings
o Violin & Viola = Shoulder Rest
o Cello & Bass = Rockstop
3. Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Book 1 for the appropriate instrument clearly labeled with student's name.
4. Common Sense Supplies:
o Pencils with good erasers
o Paper
o School agenda or planner for remembering important dates
5. Recommended, but not Required:
o Metronome/tuner device
o Folding metal stand
*It is important that students do not touch or do anything with their instruments until they receive the proper care & maintenance instruction in class. Students will receive a handout that they can share with their parents. It is also important to keep the instrument & bow away from siblings or other people who are not familiar with how to care for string instruments. Also be sure to keep instrument & bow away from extreme heat or cold - always keep at room temperature. The orchestra teacher is able to fix minor maintenance issues such as a fallen bridge, loose strings or replacing broken strings. Any instrument that needs minor repairs should be taken to the teacher first. Broken bridges, fallen soundposts or other major damage needs to be taken to the music store's repair department.
Important documents can be downloaded below, or you can contact Audra Boyd, Orchestra Director, for more information.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| ORCHESTRA PRACTICE RECORD.pdf | 85.08 KB |
| 2009 Lower Orchestra Handbook.pdf | 241.72 KB |