5th Grade Intermediate Orchestra

Students entering 5th grade who have had orchestra in 4th grade (or have similar prior experience) may continue their string instrument instruction. 5th Grade Intermediate Orchestra will focus on expanding their foundation in orchestra and continue their ensemble skills. All students who have had orchestra in 4th grade and continue to enjoy the positive aspects of orchestra are encouraged to continue in the 5th grade. All music special classes in 4th and 5th grade are for the entire school year, so changes cannot be made until the next school year after the current school year gets underway.

5th grade music class will take place Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30-9:15am. 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 5th grade classroom. Cellists may choose to bring their cello to school Wednesday morning and take home after school on Friday. 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 5th Grade Intermediate Orchestra will perform twice during the school year. The first performance will take place during the Christmas Spectacular performance in December. This performance will showcase our intermediate level instrumental and vocal ensembles. 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.

Parents need to aquire and read thoroughly the Lower School Orchestra Handbook (below). There are a few pages at the back that require the parent to fill out and return by August 22nd.

Required Materials for 5th 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. *If students have not changed their instrument or changed strings since last Fall, it is now necessary to put new strings on - this can be performed at school by the orchestra teacher. A 2nd set of strings will be needed in addition to the spare set. Old strings that are not broken or frayed can be reserved for "in case of emergencies."
• 1 inch 3-ring black notebook with at least 10 clear (low/no glare) sheet protectors for keeping sheet music
• Essential Elements for Strings 2000 Book 2 (Purple 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)

Please remember the importance of keeping 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.