Materials and Supplies

All 5th Grade orchestra students need the book, “Essential Elements 2000” book 1.  If you rented your child’s instrument, this book came with your child’s rental.  If not, you will need to purchase this book.

All 6th Grade Orchestra Students will continue to use Essential Elements '2000' Book 1 - newer editions have eleminited the '2000' fom the title.

Each instrument has its own needs. They are listed below and I included a link to purchase them online if you desire:

Violin

Shoulder Rest  
Essential Elements Book 1 for Violin 

Viola            

Shoulder Rest
Essential Elements Book 1 for Viola 

Cello                

Cello Anchor or Rock Stop
Essential Elements Book 1 for Cello 

Bass                   

Rock Stop 
Essential Elements Book 1 for Bass

 All String Instruments will need:

• Rosin
• Folding Music Stand – I also ask that you please purchase a music stand. That helps promote proper posture when playing. The music stand will stay at home for students to use during practice.
• Strings – If your child’s string breaks, please purchase a replacement string and I will put the string on your child’s instrument at the next string lesson.

There are local dealers of these supplies:

Amadeus Strings                    486-7617

Paul Effman                           452-8528

D&M Music (John Keal)            635-1120

Joseph Regh Violins                 297-2521

Additionally here are some online dealers with whom I have dealt personally that have shown to offer reliable instruments and materials:
Shar Music                  www.sharmusic.com
Southwest Strings       www.swstrings.com

Orchestra/String Lessons
Each orchestra student will be assigned a 30 minute small group lesson time during the six-day cycle. These lessons occur on a pull-out schedule. Classroom teachers will have a schedule of string lessons, and students will be excused from class to attend their lesson. During lessons, your student will learn specifics about playing his/her instrument that cannot be taught during the full orchestra rehearsal. Therefore, small group lessons not only contribute greatly to the individual's musical achievement but to the entire ensemble's as well.

Orchestra Class/Rehearsal
Every Fifth Grade Band student will have orchestra class/rehearsal for 40 minutes once or twice in the 6 day cycle.  Students who are not in orchestra will remain in their regular classroom during this time.

Securing an Instrument For Your Child
Your decision to provide your child with a quality musical instrument is an investment in your child's future. In making it possible for your child to play a musical instrument, you are providing the opportunity for self-expression, creativity and achievement.  Numerous studies indicate parental attitude, support and involvement are important factors in a child's ability to successfully learn to play and to enjoy music.

Please take this opportunity to secure an instrument for your child for the fall.  If you use one of the local vendors, you should complete one of their contracts and send it to them by early July.  That will insure delivery to the school by early September so that your child will not miss having an instrument on that all important first lesson.  Please be sure that your rental includes the book we will be using in 5th Grade.

Please proceed with caution if you are buying an instrument on the internet.  There are many instruments advertised on the internet that have enticing low prices.  Very often, these instruments are of low quality.  I have had instrument repair technicians actually refuse to work on some of these because the cost of repair would be greater then the actual worth of the instrument. Please if you have a question about an instrument make or model, do not hesitate to ask!

Instrument Transport & Storage
Students are always allowed to bring small instruments to and from school on the bus.  Each student is expected to bring his/her instrument home at the end of each school day, over weekends, and before long vacation breaks or absences. This will allow them the opportunity to practice and develop their musical skills. Please remind your children to take their instrument home so there are no damages resulting from instruments left at school. Larger string instruments, such as the cello and double bass are not allowed on the bus. These larger instruments may require you to drop them off before school and pick them up after school.

Curriculum
Curriculum will focus on learning proper fundamentals for performing on an instrument both physically and technically. Students will learn a solid foundation of performance fundamentals including tone production, rhythm, blend, balance, intonation, dynamics, articulation, musicianship, rehearsal behavior, and practicing. Here is the guidelines of the NYSSMA Curriculum that I reference to build the Kinry Rd Orchestra Curriculum. 

Home Practice Support
Every good musician must practice his or her instrument regularly. Each week, your child will receive a practice sheet where their assignment will be recorded and the student is to write down their practice times each day.  At the next week’s lesson I will collect the completed practice sheet, make comments and an assessment, and hand the sheet back to your child at the end of the lesson.  Take a look at your student’s practice habits. Do they have a regular routine? They should be coming to you asking for your initials as verification of the total time they practiced each week. Some students naturally make time for practicing. Others may need to have a parent help schedule their time.

Please check the website for your grade level in the left menu. That will include up to date assignments.