LWSD Elementary Band and Orchestra - General program and instrument information

Dickinson Region Elementary Orchestra

(Alcott, Ella Baker, Dickinson/Explorer, Rosa Parks, and Wilder)

Rachel Harris ♪ rharris@lwsd.org

Specifics: Instruction is offered for fourth and fifth grade students. The focus is on beginning instrumental technique and music reading skills with possible performance opportunities throughout the year.

Schedule: Orchestra will be taught before school 2 days a week.  We start the week of October 2nd.

          Monday and Wednesday – Experienced Orchestra

          Tuesday and Thursday – Beginning Orchestra Violin

          Tuesday and Friday – Beginning Orchestra Viola and Cello

Orchestra Information Night Thursday, September 21, 2023, 7:00-8:00pm at Dickinson Elementary.

Registration Link: 2023-24 LWSD Elementary Orchestra Registration - Dickinson Program Site (office.com)

Classes: There are two levels of string classes. Beginning Orchestra starts with beginning instrumental technique and Experienced Orchestra has the students moving on to developing good tone production, intonation, rhythm and good practice skills and habits. If you already have taken some private lessons, you will likely want to register for Experienced Orchestra.

Grades are based on the following expectations: ● Commit for the entire year ● Attend lessons with all materials ● Practice 30-40 minutes 6 days a week

Materials for class: ● Instrument of correct size, in good playing condition ● Sponge shoulder pad (for violin and viola) ● Rock stop (for cello or bass) ● Rosin ● Soft cloth for cleaning the instrument ● Pencil with eraser, attached to binder with string or Velcro ● Folding music stand ● A 3-ring binder

For music, I will be using a combination of handouts and a book for purchase. Probably the best place to get the book is online. Not all the rental vendors may have the book.

Measures of Success for string orchestra. Please make sure you get the correct book for the instrument your child is playing. This link is for a violin book. Below is one link you could use to get the book, but feel free to shop around. https://www.amazon.com/Measures-Success-String-Orchestra-Violin/dp/1619280892/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=measures+of+success+book+1+string&qid=1631716977&sr=8-2