Information
for New String Students & Parents
**
Parents’ Meeting at
**
Thursday, September 11th, 2008 at 7:00 pm**
·
Click HERE
to see a copy of the string-specific letter that your student received at
school
·
Click HERE to see the
information distributed at the Parents’ Meeting (will be posted after the
meeting)
Frequently Asked
Questions About Beginning Strings:
·
When do lessons
start?
o
This will vary by
school, but most lessons should start the week of September 15.
o
Click HERE for a schedule of first lessons (a detailed
schedule will be passed out at the first lesson).
·
What materials are
needed for lessons?
o
An instrument outfit,
consisting of instrument, bow, rosin, and case
o
A folding music stand
(needed for All-City Orchestra practices ONLY)
o
Lesson Book: “Essential
Elements 2000 for Strings, Book 1”
o
Pencil to mark
assignments
o
Violinists and violists
need a shoulder rest (I recommend the purple or blue sponge style, or the “We
Bad” style.)
o
Cellists and bassists
need an endpin stop (I recommend the belt style for cellists, although the
round “cookie” style is fine for basses.)
·
What size instrument
should I get?
o
During tryouts, each
student was given an estimated instrument size that should work for them. Most 5th graders will play a ¾
size instrument. If your child cannot
find the sheet with the recommended size, you will need to take him/her with
you to the music store so that the staff there can fit your child to the
correct instrument.
·
Should we buy or rent an
instrument?
o
We strongly recommend
that you consider renting until you and your child are certain that this is the
correct instrument and that he/she is ready to make a long-term
commitment. If you do choose to
purchase a used instrument, please make sure that you have someone on the
instrumental music staff check it out to make sure it
is in good repair and playable condition.
o
PLEASE SPEAK TO AN
INSTRUMENTAL TEACHER BEFORE PURCHASING AN INSTRUMENT! There are some national (non-music) retailers
and discount stores that sell inexpensive, low-quality instruments that turn
out to be unplayable and frustrating to a young musician. You should only consider buying or renting
instruments from a reputable music specialty store. That way you are guaranteed both a quality
product and service should you need it.
It is also best to avoid online auction sites, since there is no way to asses the condition of the instrument before you buy.
·
We have an old
instrument at home. Will that be OK to
use?
o
Possibly, although
again, please have one of the instrumental music teachers take a look at the
instrument. There may be repairs or
other adjustments needed, and there may be concerns about the size of the instrument.
·
Does my student need a
music book?
o
Yes. We use “Essential Elements 200o for Strings,
Book 1” every week in lessons, as well as supplemental music passed out by the
teachers in class. ALL STUDENTS MUST
HAVE THEIR OWN BOOK in order to participate fully and successfully in
lessons. EES 2000 is available through
all local music stores.
o
Please make sure to get
the one specific to your child’s instrument. The violin, viola, cello, and bass
books are all different!
·
How often do school
lessons meet?
o
School lessons will meet
once a week, on the same day but with a rotating time. This is to prevent a student from missing the
same material in class each week. If
there is a conflict with a specific lesson time, Mrs. Gamin is willing and able
to be flexible.
·
What is the All-City
Orchestra?
o
The All-City Orchestra
is the large-group ensemble composed of every beginning string student in
Strongsville. It trains them to perform
in a full string orchestra and is a wonderful opportunity!