Dear Parents of Prospective String Students,
It has
been my pleasure this week to meet with your child and offer him or her the opportunity to try a stringed instrument! The orchestra program in
** Detailed information about the string
program is available at www.oocities.org/scsstrings **
Frequently Asked
Questions About Beginning Strings
1) When do lessons begin? This will vary by school, but most will begin the week of September 15th. Detailed first lesson schedules will be available at the parents’ meeting, at school and online.
2) What materials
do we need to get started?
1) Instrument “outfit” with bow, instrument, case, and rosin
2) Lesson Book – Essential Elements 2000, Book 1
3) Violinists and violists need a shoulder rest, preferably the purple or blue “sponge” type.
4) Cellists and bassists need an endpin stop, which should be included in the instrument outfit.
5) A folding music stand, for home practice and All-City Orchestra rehearsals.
3) Should we buy or rent an instrument? We STRONGLY encourage you to rent until you and your child are certain you have chosen the correct instrument and that you are ready to make a long-term commitment. Many local stores offer rent-to-own programs. Whether you buy or rent, please make sure to work with a musical instrument specialty stores so that you are ensured a quality instrument and good service. Avoid purchasing an instrument from large discount retail (non-music) stores because they are often poor quality, and be VERY cautious with online auctions.
4) What is expected of a student joining orchestra? Students will need to:
1) Attend weekly lessons, which are held during the school day on a rotating basis.
2) Bring their instrument and music to every class session.
3) Practice at home at least 10 minutes a day, 3 – 4 days a week.
4) Attend All-City Orchestra practices when they begin in November (pending transportation). This is an ensemble required by the curriculum which meets before school at Kinsner Elementary on Thursday mornings. Supervision is provided so that students can be dropped off up to an hour early and transportation is provided afterwards to the students’ respective school buildings. More information about this ensemble will be sent home in October.
5) How do I get more information?
1) Attend our Parent Information Meeting on Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 pm at Strongsville High School.
2) Go to the SCS Elementary Strings website at www.oocities.org/scsstrings for detailed answers, contact information, schedules, and more!
3) Call me at your child’s school or e-mail me at gamin@strongnet.org. I am happy to help!
6) Who teaches string lessons? Mrs. Rachel Gamin has been the elementary strings specialist in Strongsville for 11 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education and has performed professionally as a violinist and violist. She is also fluent in cello and bass. In addition to her duties in Strongsville, she also teaches String Methods to Music Education majors at Baldwin-Wallace College.
Your child tried the following string instruments:
Violin Viola Cello Bass
Recommended instrument size: