Frequently Asked Questions for Orchestra
How does the schedule rotation work? During what classes is Orchestra scheduled?
We have a 4-week rotating schedule, with two 30 minute sectionals each week. Each student will have their Orchestra classes scheduled during 4 different Related Arts Classes, 1 Math, 1 Content (Social Studies or Science), 1 Language Arts, and 1 Recess per 4 week period. This means that your child won’t miss more than 30 minutes of instruction per month in any class. For example, students normally receive 1500 minutes of instruction in Math in a 4 week period, but now would receive 1470 minutes. Additionally, as often as possible, Orchestra classes are scheduled at the end of Math and Language Arts blocks so that students don’t miss whole group instruction. However, students are responsible for making up any missed work. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes on time and with all materials.
Is it necessary for my child to take private lessons too?
We always encourage more music making! However, it is not necessary for students to have a private instructor outside of school. They will learn everything they need to play their instruments well in-school. Some students who are looking for an extra challenge may take on private instruction outside of school. In general, in private instruction they will learn techniques for playing solo music. In school we learn many of the same techniques, but apply them to small group and large ensemble music, although we will learn some solo pieces as well.
My child has chosen to play cello or bass, but how will transportation for the instrument work?
For cello and bass, we are fortunate to have a classroom set of instruments here. Cello and bass students keep their instrument at home for practice, and use a school instrument.
The only exceptions are at the beginning of the year when I make sure each instrument is set-up correctly, and anytime you would like me to look at the instrument to make sure it is in good working condition. Cello students are allowed to (carefully) transport the instrument on the bus. Basses will have to be transported to the school by the parent.
Violin and viola students should bring their instrument to school on the day they have class, and back home again to practice.
We have a 4-week rotating schedule, with two 30 minute sectionals each week. Each student will have their Orchestra classes scheduled during 4 different Related Arts Classes, 1 Math, 1 Content (Social Studies or Science), 1 Language Arts, and 1 Recess per 4 week period. This means that your child won’t miss more than 30 minutes of instruction per month in any class. For example, students normally receive 1500 minutes of instruction in Math in a 4 week period, but now would receive 1470 minutes. Additionally, as often as possible, Orchestra classes are scheduled at the end of Math and Language Arts blocks so that students don’t miss whole group instruction. However, students are responsible for making up any missed work. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes on time and with all materials.
Is it necessary for my child to take private lessons too?
We always encourage more music making! However, it is not necessary for students to have a private instructor outside of school. They will learn everything they need to play their instruments well in-school. Some students who are looking for an extra challenge may take on private instruction outside of school. In general, in private instruction they will learn techniques for playing solo music. In school we learn many of the same techniques, but apply them to small group and large ensemble music, although we will learn some solo pieces as well.
My child has chosen to play cello or bass, but how will transportation for the instrument work?
For cello and bass, we are fortunate to have a classroom set of instruments here. Cello and bass students keep their instrument at home for practice, and use a school instrument.
The only exceptions are at the beginning of the year when I make sure each instrument is set-up correctly, and anytime you would like me to look at the instrument to make sure it is in good working condition. Cello students are allowed to (carefully) transport the instrument on the bus. Basses will have to be transported to the school by the parent.
Violin and viola students should bring their instrument to school on the day they have class, and back home again to practice.
