Concert Orchestra

The Concert Orchestra will perform frequently during the school year, participating in events such as Fall Concert, Veteran's Day Chapel, Christmas Concert, musical productions, music festival evaluation, and other events such as musicals or praise & worship events.

Upper school (9th-12th grade) students meet on blue days - every other day, during B4 Period, from 1:30-3:00 p.m.  After school rehearsals/sectionals will be necessary and will take place most Mondays after school, from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.. These rehearsals will not be every week, but students will receive rehearsal schedules and need to make every attempt to attend those rehearsals.  All rehearsals will be during this time only in order to protect student's extra-curricular commitments.  Families are encouraged to work out transportation issues and avoid scheduling appointments or other flexible events during this day and time.

Required Materials for Concert Orchestra:

• Instrument, bow, & case in good condition (bow has been rehaired or replaced recently; there are no damaged or missing pieces on the instrument)
• Spare set of strings (used strings in good condition are ok) for emergencies
• Kun, Viva, or similar shoulder rest for violins & violas in good condition
• Sponge shoulder rests do not provide sufficient support
• Rockstop for cellos & basses (prevents endpin from slipping)
• Essential Technique For Strings 2000 Book 3 for student's instrument (green trim).  Available at most music stores - call ahead for inventory
• Black 1 inch 3-ring notebook with sheet protectors (low or no glare is best)
• Notebook paper
• An agenda or homework planner/calendar
• Pencils with good erasers
• Performance Attire: students are to wear their formal black concert attire: solid black gowns for ladies; tuxedos for gentlemen.  These items may be purchased through the school or a suitable alternative may be purchased by the family, provided that the items meet the standards described on the uniform order form.  Girls may wear dressy black sandals, or black dress shoes with pantyhose.  Dress code policies such as hair and other appearance standards also apply.  *The goal of performance attire is to provide a uniform appearance that does not distract from the musical performance!

*All students need to make sure their materials are clearly labeled with student's full name (first & last).  Instrument case should have address & phone number as well.  Shelves in the orchestra room will be provided for violin & viola students to keep their instrument at school during the day.  Cellists & bassists will be assigned a school instrument to play during class.  However, an instrument for home practice and some performances is still required.

Remember the importance 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.

More information and important documents can be found below, or you may contact Audra Boyd, Orchestra Director, should you have any questions or concerns.