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 9:20-10:05am.  Students will need to bring their instruments and materials for orchestra class each day.  Violinists/violists will be assigned a shelf to keep their case on in the orchestra room as opposed to their 4th grade classroom.  Cellists may choose to bring their cello to school Monday morning and take home after school on Wednesday.  Bass students are able to use school basses, but need to rent one to keep at home for practicing.  It is also important that bassists regularly bring their bass 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 mid 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:

• A suitable instrument, bow, and case (A folder with a list of materials - including recommended instrument size, and a list of music stores will be sent home with each student.  Rental agreements will also be available at the orientation meeting courtesy of Ken Stanton Music)
• A spare set of strings - Super Sensitive/Red Label set of all four strings for correct size instrument (to be kept in case for when a string breaks).  This is not optional.
• Essential Elements for Strings 2000 Book 1 (Orange trim) for student's instrument
• Instrument accessories: Kun, Viva, or similar shoulder rest for violin/viola; rockstop for cello/bass (sponge shoulder rests do not provide necessary stability for violin/viola students)  *Some violin/viola students find a clip-on shoulder rest bag to be convenient when the shoulder rest will not fit inside the student's case
• Pencil for marking music
• Rosin (usually included with rental instrument)

*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.

Music is a lifelong investment, so parent-teacher communication is essential along the journey.  Please contact Audra Boyd should you have any questions or concerns.