2017-18

FOURTH GRADE ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK

ROBBINSDALE AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS:

FAIR, Forest, Lakeview, Meadow Lake, Neill, Noble, Northport, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion, School of Engineering and Arts, Sonnesyn

and Zachary Lane

Dear Parents and Families,

Welcome to the elementary instrumental music program in Robbinsdale Area Schools! Our district has a fine tradition of excellence in the arts and is fortunate to have a thriving orchestra program with a steadily growing enrollment and high-quality performing groups, including school orchestras, festivals, and All-District Orchestra and Honors Orchestra for advanced students. We are glad that you will be a part of an exciting year of making music and learning together.

This handbook has been put together to help you understand our music program. The following questions will be answered:

Who can sign up for orchestra?

How do I get started in orchestra?

How is school instruction given?

What will be expected of students in orchestra class?

How will students’ skills be assessed?

Are private lessons necessary?

How can I help my student?

Please read this information carefully and return the form on the back page to school. Do not hesitate to call us with questions regarding this handbook or your student’s progress. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Elementary Orchestra Directors

Connie Conrad: Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion School and School of Engineering and Arts (763-504-4071)

Jacob Crosby: Noble, Sonnesyn and Northport (763-504-4072)

Claire Dill: FAIR School Crystal (763-971-4608)

Jeanne Kauffmann: Lakeview, Neill, and Zachary Lane (763-504-7979)

Sarah Nimchuk: Forest and Meadow Lake

(763-504-7345)

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WHO CAN SIGN UP FOR ORCHESTRA? Anyone who wants to play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello and bass) can participate. Instruction begins in the fourth grade and continues through grade twelve. Students who wish to play a band instrument (woodwind, brass and percussion families) will begin school instruction in fifth grade.

HOW DO I GET STARTED IN ORCHESTRA?

Step 1 REGISTER Your student was given an orchestra registration form at school to fill out and for you to sign. If you have not already returned this form to your school office or classroom teacher, please do so as soon as possible.

Step 2 ATTEND OPEN HOUSE Students come to the Orchestra Open House on Thursday, September 14th, 7:00 p.m. at Robbinsdale Middle School. They will receive this handbook, and will be sized for their chosen instrument.

Bass ____________________

Cello ____________________

Viola ____________________

Violin ____________________

Step 3 OBTAIN AN INSTRUMENT This should be taken care of as soon as possible, as lessons begin in September (check with your orchestra director for date).

There are several alternatives:

A. Compare rental and purchase plans from local music stores, and select one that works for you. Some places to start are:

House of Note Eckroth Music Schmitt Music 7210 Minnetonka Blvd. 3065 Centre Point Drive #1 694 and Shingle St. Louis Park Roseville Creek Parkway 952-929-0026 1-800-543-8255 Brooklyn Center 763-566-4560 Groth Music All Strings Attached 8056 Nicollet Ave. S. 8224 Olson Memorial Highway Bloomington Golden Valley 952-884-4772 763-542-9542

Some of these music stores will be represented at our Orchestra Open House. You will have the opportunity to rent an instrument that evening, as well as meet the orchestra staff in the district—and ask questions.

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B. Purchase a used instrument. Check newspaper ads, used instrument stores, and the district list of instruments for sale. Be careful before purchasing instruments you cannot return. For maintenance issues it’s better to work with a local dealer.

C. Consult with your school’s orchestra director regarding the possibility of using school-owned violins, violas, cellos or string basses. The district maintains a small inventory of these instruments in several sizes and gives first priority to students who qualify for Federal Lunch Program assistance. Please indicate on the registration form if you would like to be considered for low-cost rental of a district-owned instrument ($15.00 per year), or contact your orchestra director directly. The rental fee for all others is $75.00 per year, upon availability. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY NOW OR WITH REGISTRATION. Money sent early does not guarantee your student an instrument, and will be returned.

Step 4 OBTAIN SUPPLIES

Obtain the following supplies:

Rosin (allows the bow to grip the strings).

Shoulder rest or soft sponge and rubber bands (violins and violas only). We recommend the Kun shoulder rest or purple foam pad.

End pin rest (cellos and string basses only).

Wire music stand (for practice at home).

3-ring binder for weekly assignment sheets.

Smooth cleaning rag.

Pencil to keep in the instrument case.

The district will provide you with one copy of Essential Elements for Strings 2001, Book 1 for your instrument. Should it be lost or damaged, family will be responsible for replacing this book.

After all this, YOU’RE READY! Lessons will begin in September.

STUDENTS—please do not touch your instrument until your first lesson.

HOW IS SCHOOL INSTRUCTION GIVEN? Students receive a half-hour group lesson on their chosen instrument once a week during the school day. Students are excused from their regular class during the lesson time.

Full orchestra rehearsals will take place in October in order to provide an ensemble experience and to prepare for concerts.

Orchestra is a full year commitment.

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WHAT WILL BE EXPECTED OF STUDENTS IN ORCHESTRA CLASS?

Orchestra students should:

Come prepared to weekly lessons with:

Instrument(s)

Book

Binder and pencil for weekly assignment sheets.

Practice daily (20-30 minutes a day, six days a week)

Complete a practice chart signed by a parent or guardian.

Obtain the assignment from a classmate when absent.

Show respect for others and for property.

Try to do his/her very best.

HOW WILL ORCHESTRA STUDENTS’ SKILLS BE ASSESSED?

Orchestra grades are determined by a variety of factors:

Graded practice sheets: S+, S, S– or N.

Attendance at all performances.

Ongoing playing tests.

Grades will be given on report cards in December, March and June.

WHEN ARE THE PERFORMANCE DATES? 4th Grade Open House at Robbinsdale Middle School: Thursday,

September 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Fall Strings Festival at Armstrong High School: Thursday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Spring Strings Festival at Cooper High School: Saturday, March 3

Schedule: 1:15-3:50 p.m. rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. concert featuring elementary, grade 6 and Cooper and Armstrong Chamber Orchestras

Individual school concerts: Check the Fine Arts Schedule on the district web site: http://rdale.org and your school’s calendar for times and dates.

Attendance is required at all district events and at your school’s individual performances. Students will be excused only in emergency situations with a written note or phone call from the parent or guardian in advance of the concert, if possible.

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ARE PRIVATE LESSONS NECESSARY? Private lessons are not required, but strongly encouraged. Teacher-student contact time at school is very limited and often involves a large group of young musicians. There is no substitute for one-to-one contact with a private teacher in nurturing your student’s musical talents.

Many music stores offer six free private lessons with rental of an instrument. Be sure to take advantage of this chance to “try out” a teacher. Usually teachers are able to continue with students after the trial period.

The district publishes a list of recommended private music teachers in the area with addresses and phone numbers. Your student should receive this at the beginning of the year.

HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD? 1. Provide a quiet place to practice at a scheduled time, every day.

2. Provide a safe place to keep the instrument. Keep it away from excessive heat and/or cold and quick changes of temperature. Do not leave an instrument in the car.

3. Encourage your student to stay in orchestra. If your student is having second thoughts about continuing on their instrument, please discuss this thoroughly with your orchestra director. Many students go through phases of frustration and decreasing interest. Most of the time these stages can be overcome with patience, persistence and communication between the student, parent and teacher.

4. Spend at least ten minutes with your student twice a week, listening to and encouraging him or her. Your time and interest will make an immeasurable difference in your student’s progress and ultimate success.

5. Encourage your student to listen to orchestra music: on the radio, recordings at libraries, concerts, school music programs, etc.

6. Let your student know you’re proud of him/her. The decision to start orchestra is a courageous step to take—a step that will lead to many challenges, growth and hopefully much enjoyment for your student.

The orchestra faculty wishes you a successful and positive experience this year. We salute you for your efforts.

ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK COMPLETION FORM We have read and discussed the material in the Fourth Grade Orchestra Handbook.

My student has permission to participate in the school orchestra program. We understand that orchestra is a full year commitment.

Parent/Guardian’s Signature _________________________________________________

Student’s Signature ________________________________________________________

Student Name ________________________________________ School _____________

Grade __________ Room Number __________

Parent/Guardian Name _____________________________________________________

Home Phone ________________________________ Email _______________________

Work Phone _______________________________ Cell Phone ____________________

_____ Financial Assistance. We request to be considered for low-cost rental of a district-owned instrument (please note that supply and selection may be limited).

NOTE: Families who submit an Application for Educational Benefits form, and subsequently qualify for Federal Lunch Program assistance, will be provided a district-owned instrument, if available, for a $15 annual fee (if you need help filling out the form, please contact your school secretary).

For the purpose of obtaining a low-cost, district-owned instrument for this school year, I give my student’s orchestra director permission to verify that I qualify for the Federal Lunch Program.

Please Sign Below to Apply for Assistance:

Parent/Guardian ________________________________________ Date ______________