About the Pointers Run Orchestra Program
Scheduling
In a typical year:
Instrument Rentals
Since stringed instruments come in various sizes and children will continue to grow, I recommend starting off by renting an instrument. More rental information can be found on my instrument rental page.
Supplies List (Click to view)
Instrument Choice
Beginners will be offered the choices of the following instruments to play: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. I believe that every child should choose whichever instrument appeals to him or her, but you may be interested in the following:
Expectations and Rewards
Playing an instrument is a large commitment of time, money and emotion. Instrumental music teaches children the concept that hard work and success work hand in hand. Students also develop self-esteem, perseverance, cooperation, and learn responsibility by learning an instrument. Besides learning individual skills, students also learn the skill of working as a team and creating a musical ensemble. The musical ensemble can not exist without each of its members; therefore, it is crucial that all members attend every class. In the same way, all string members are expected to attend every concert.
Correct daily practice is vital in building and strengthening the skills taught in class. There is a direct correlation between correct consistent practicing and success and enjoyment. Students should aim to practice for 15 minutes each day, five days a week. Although I am aware that many students are busy participating in extracurricular activities, instrumental music is an academic class and has work that must be done at home just like any other academic subject.
If your child is having difficulty balancing orchestra and other activities, having difficulty with the music or showing less interest, please talk to me. I want to support your child in any way possible. It is important for students to learn responsibility, perseverance and commitment, as well as maintain the unity of the ensemble, therefore I am encouraging all students to commit for the entire year to the program. Hopefully your child will find strings to be a positive and rewarding experience and will continue to play for many years!
- Beginners have 2 small group lessons per week. Each class is 30 minutes long.
- Intermediate/ Advanced students have 1 small group lesson and 1 orchestra class per week. This may change due to Covid/ spacing students apart to 2 small group lessons. Each class is 30 minutes long.
- Students are "pulled out" from class to participate.
- There is a 2 week rotation (possibly 4 week rotation) so that students do not miss the same class each week.
- Students will NOT miss Math or small group Reading instruction.
- Attend class 2x per week
- Come prepared to class with instrument, music, method book and other supplies
- Complete Canvas assignments (usually a recording or practice reflection)
- Practice consistently at home
- Attend and participate in concerts
In a typical year:
- Winter concert for both the school and in the evening for parents
- Spring concert for both the school and in the evening for parents
- Optional Solo and Ensemble Festival
- Optional Chamber Music Concert
- Other optional small group opportunities (Enrichment Fair, Volunteer Breakfast)
Instrument Rentals
Since stringed instruments come in various sizes and children will continue to grow, I recommend starting off by renting an instrument. More rental information can be found on my instrument rental page.
Supplies List (Click to view)
Instrument Choice
Beginners will be offered the choices of the following instruments to play: Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass. I believe that every child should choose whichever instrument appeals to him or her, but you may be interested in the following:
- There are never enough violas, cellos, and basses! These instruments are just as great and fun to play as the violin. The lower instruments have nice, rich sounds. When your child goes on to middle and high school, there may be more opportunities on viola or bass since decent players on these instruments are always in demand.
- If your child plays piano, he or she will have a head start with note reading on violin, cello, or bass because of the clef.
- If your child chooses to play bass, he or she will not be allowed to bring the bass on the bus. If your child is interested in playing bass, it may be possible for him or her to rent a bass for home practice and use a school instrument for school practice. Or if you are willing to transport the instrument back and forth by car, your child may be able borrow a school instrument and not rent one. If your child is interested in playing bass, please talk to me and we can come up with the best solution for your family.
Expectations and Rewards
Playing an instrument is a large commitment of time, money and emotion. Instrumental music teaches children the concept that hard work and success work hand in hand. Students also develop self-esteem, perseverance, cooperation, and learn responsibility by learning an instrument. Besides learning individual skills, students also learn the skill of working as a team and creating a musical ensemble. The musical ensemble can not exist without each of its members; therefore, it is crucial that all members attend every class. In the same way, all string members are expected to attend every concert.
Correct daily practice is vital in building and strengthening the skills taught in class. There is a direct correlation between correct consistent practicing and success and enjoyment. Students should aim to practice for 15 minutes each day, five days a week. Although I am aware that many students are busy participating in extracurricular activities, instrumental music is an academic class and has work that must be done at home just like any other academic subject.
If your child is having difficulty balancing orchestra and other activities, having difficulty with the music or showing less interest, please talk to me. I want to support your child in any way possible. It is important for students to learn responsibility, perseverance and commitment, as well as maintain the unity of the ensemble, therefore I am encouraging all students to commit for the entire year to the program. Hopefully your child will find strings to be a positive and rewarding experience and will continue to play for many years!