December Orchestra Concert and Rehearsal Information

Concert Date/Time:         Thursday, December 16 at 7:00 pm  (students arrive at 6:20)

Location:                            Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center  (enter through circle drive doors)

Dress:                                  Black pants/skirt and white collared shirt or blouse (no t-shirts or tanks), dark shoes

Morning Rehearsal at Stevenson High School

Thursday, December 16

*Students will be excused from classes and bussed to Stevenson to rehearse.

*Cellists: You must bring your own cello from home for the morning rehearsal.  You may leave your cello at Stevenson for the evening concert.

*Bassists: If you choose to use your home bass, it must be brought to the Meridian orchestra room on Wednesday (day before the concert).

Important!  There will be NO after school orchestra rehearsal on the day of the concert.

Concert Songs:

Holiday Magic

The Cherry Tree Carol

Jingle Bell Rock

*All District 102 orchestras will perform at this concert.  All participants are expected to stay for the entire concert.

Welcome Back!  I hope you had a terrific summer and are ready to dust off your instruments and start another great year of music making in orchestra!  I am looking forward to making this year’s Concert Orchestra the best that it can be.  Each of you is an important part of our ensemble, and our success depends on the commitment and dedication of each one of us.

1st Concert Orchestra Rehearsal:

MONDAY, AUGUST 23   2:45-3:45  BRING INSTRUMENTS!

Bassists can use school basses.  Cellists should bring their instrument from home for the 1st rehearsal so Mrs. Farran can check sizing and tuning. Busses will be available to take students home at 3:45.  Rehearsals will take place every Monday and Thursday after school from 2:45-3:45. A complete Concert Orchestra handbook with more information will be distributed at the first rehearsal.

Concert Orchestra Lessons will start the week of September 13.  Lesson schedules will be distributed prior to the 1st week of lessons.

Meridian 5^th Grade Beginning Orchestra

Congratulations!  As fifth graders you have the exciting opportunity to join orchestra!  The orchestra is made up of the four main string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and string bass.  As an orchestra member, you will be scheduled into a small group lesson (generally 3-5 students per group depending on enrollment).  These lesson groups meet once a week for thirty minutes during the school day.  We use an A/B week alternating schedule so students do not miss the same academic subject every week.

In addition, orchestra members will participate as an entire orchestra in three concerts their first year.  In preparation for these concerts, several large group rehearsals are scheduled during the day and after school.

Getting Started…important dates for students interested in joining:

Friday, August 20

Students attend a presentation with their class introducing the orchestra instruments.  Each instrument will be demonstrated by Mrs. Farran.  Students select two instruments that they would like to try.

Tuesday, August 24 – Friday, August 27

Students meet with Mrs. Farran individually during the school day to try the instrument(s) they are considering.  After trying the instruments, students will need their parents’ help deciding whether or not they will participate in orchestra.  If they are joining orchestra, they must decide which instrument they will play before attending orchestra registration.

Wednesday, August 25

There will be a band and orchestra information session for parents during the Meridian Open House.

*Wednesday, Sept. 1 Band and Orchestra Registration from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

All new orchestra members must be registered on the evening of Wednesday, Sept.1.  If you are unable to attend registration and would like to sign up for orchestra, parents must contact Mrs. Farran at sfarran@d012.org PRIOR to September 1. Three local string instrument rental companies will be at registration to help you sign up to rent an instrument, if you wish.

Week of September 21

Beginning Orchestra lessons start this week.  Your child and your child’s homeroom teacher will receive a copy of the lesson schedule ahead of time.  Rented instruments will be distributed at the first lesson.

Beginning Orchestra Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pre-requisites for playing in orchestra?

No prior music experience is needed!  The only requirements are a desire to play, commitment to work hard, practice at home, and ability to keep up with orchestra and academic responsibilities.

What are the fees for orchestra?

Orchestra is a part of the District 102 curriculum, and the only expenses are the cost of renting an instrument and purchasing the required supplies (lesson book, music stand, etc.  These items are often included in the rental fee).

How do we know what day and time to go to orchestra?

A schedule will be distributed to all teachers and orchestra students prior the the first week of lessons.  In addition, the schedule will be posted in classrooms and the orchestra room.  It is the student’s responsibility to remember their lesson time.  Parents can help by making sure that lesson times are written in their assignment notebooks and by reminding their child to bring their instrument to school on orchestra days.  Students should wear a watch so they can keep track of the time.

Can I request a specific lesson time?

No.  Scheduling lessons is a very complex process and is based primarily on homeroom and instrument.  Other factors include the size of the lesson group, the schedule for other “pull-out” classes, and preferences of the fifth grade teachers.

How do pull-out lessons work?

Lessons will be scheduled using an alternating A/B week rotation.  This prevents students from missing the same academic class every week.  Meridian teachers are very supportive of the orchestra program, but it is the student’s responsibility for making up any work missed while they are at their lesson.  Orchestra students are encouraged to select a “buddy” in their class who will keep them up to date on material covered during their lesson time.

How much home practice is required?

Home practice is vital to success in orchestra.  Students should practice at least 15 minutes every day.  This home practice is necessary to keep up with the weekly lesson material.  Students who fail to practice usually fall behind, get discouraged, and eventually quit.

My child is smaller in size but wants to play the cello or bass.  Is this a problem?

In most cases, no.  One of the great things about string instruments is that they each come in different sizes.    When choosing an instrument, students should focus on what type of sound they like best.  Violins are played while standing or sitting.  They produce the highest pitches in the orchestra and have a clear, singing tone.  Violas look like violins and are played in the same way but have a slightly lower range and mellower tone.  Cellos are played while sitting.  They produce a sweet, mellow, full sound, lower than a viola.  Basses are played while standing.  They produce the deepest, lowest sounds of the orchestra and are an important foundation of the orchestral sound.

Can we switch instruments if we don’t like the one we picked?

No.  Unless there is a legitimate physical reason, students may not switch instruments mid-year.  Due to the complexity of lesson scheduling, it is not possible to accommodate such changes except when deemed necessary by the orchestra director.

Can I use an instrument my family already owns or purchase one instead of renting?

You are welcome to obtain an instrument from wherever you choose.  HOWEVER, please be aware of the following considerations:

*Instruments from sources other than a reputable rental company may not be up to acceptable playing standards.  Providing a high quality instrument in excellent condition is one of the most important things you can do to optimize your child’s potential in orchestra.

*String instruments come in different sizes.  It is crucial that your child plays on an instrument that is not too small or too big.  Renting an instrument is ideal because the company will provide a larger instrument when your child is ready at no additional charge.

*Many seemingly good deals exist today on the Internet.  BEWARE!  Stringed instruments are a class to themselves.  Every instrument is unique.  There is no top brand or maker to recommend.  Newer instruments are not always better.  In fact, some of the finest stringed instruments are 100 years old!  You should NEVER purchase an instrument without first having it checked out by someone you trust who is knowledgeable about strings.

*Please allow Mrs. Farran to inspect your child’s instrument if it is not from a rental company PRIOR to the first lesson.  When your child is ready for a full size instrument and you are interested in purchasing one, Mrs. Farran would be more than happy to assist you in finding an instrument that you love!

Should we pay for LDW insurance?

Different stores call it by other names, but Liability Damage Waiver, which covers the expense of damaged or stolen instruments is definitely a good idea.  Even the most careful student will experience minor issues with any instrument.  Including this coverage in your monthy rental agreement is strongly recommended.

Is orchestra graded?

Yes.  Letter grades are given for orchestra on 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th quarter report cards.  Grades are based on musical progress and are broken down into the following categories:  1) Music Knowledge and Understanding and 2) Music Creation and Performance.  Music Knowledge and Understanding refers to such skills as note reading, knowledge of fingerings and musical symbols, and reading of rhythms.  Music Creation and Performance refers to playing technique, execution of notes and rhythms, tone production, dynamics and the performance of orchestral and solo literature.  For each of these two categories, students will receive one of the following marks: E (exceeds standards), M (meets standards, L (learning), or AC (area of concern).  Other comments regarding student participation, attendance, and/or effort may also be provided on the quarterly report card.

Are there any after school commitments?

A few.  There are three concerts scheduled (December 16, March 8, and May 17).  All concerts start at 7:00 p.m.  There are only three after school rehearsals in a year (December 8, Feb. 23, and May 10).  After school rehearsals are from 2:30-3:45.  All other rehearsals and lessons occur during school hours.

Are concerts required?

Yes.  All students are expected to participate in all performances.  Orchestra is a performance-based art and playing in concerts and other performances is a part of the learning process.  Concerts are not optional.

What’s the attire for concerts?

Boys: solid white collared shirt, black pants, black socks, dark shoes

Girls: solid white collared shirt or blouse, black pants or skirt (at least knee length when sitting), dark shoes.

Notes: Long sleeve/short sleeve shirts optional.  NO t-shirts, tank tops, gym shoes.  Cello players; pants are the most practical, but if you choose to wear a skirt, it needs to be long with a wide skirt. If you need assistance in obtaining appropriate concert dress, please contact Mrs. Farran.

If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email Mrs. Farran!

sfarran@d102.org

847-353-5591 x 3550