6TH GRADE ORCHESTRA
Welcome to orchestra, 6th graders! I am so thrilled to have you joining the orchestra community in Kuna. Because all of the 6th graders are still spread across the various elementary schools, I am going to use this page as an all-in-one info center. Here is where you can find all the information you need to get started!
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Getting an Instrument
The first and most important thing to do before orchestra begins this year to have an instrument. This is an absolute must before rehearsals start at your school. In orchestra, you have 4 instrument options:​ violin, viola, cello, and bass. All instruments have their own unique and beautiful sounds, and all are very important to orchestra! Your first step is to choose which you want to play.
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After you've made your choice, I encourage you to head to any of the wonderful music stores in the area. They can help you find the right size instrument for you, as well as the supplies you will need! More information on them can be found in the Resources tab!
Please be very wary of buying your instrument from places like Target, Wal Mart, Amazon, or other unreliable music instrument sources. Instruments from these places may look like a bargain, but these instruments are poorly made and are not meant for real instruction. Also please keep in mind that while electric or colored instruments look cool and are fine for personal use and enjoyment, they should not be used in an orchestral setting.
That being said, if the year has already begun and an electric or colored instrument is what you've already gotten, or if the circumstances are such that a higher quality instrument from the music store is not a possibility, PLEASE don't quit orchestra! I want students who want to play, no matter what instrument they have! I will allow these instruments for the beginning years if they are truly the only option. However, as the students progress, please be on the look out for another instrument that is better suited to orchestral playing, especially if your child is interested in playing at a higher level later in their musical education.
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Make sure when you visit the store to keep this checklist in mind!
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Instrument, a case for your instrument, and a bow for your instrument
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Essential Elements for Strings, book 1 (for your chosen instrument)
*There are several different editions of this book. To make sure you get the right one, here is a picture:
Either of these editions would work perfectly! -
Cleaning cloth
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Rosin for your bow
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Shoulder rest (only for violins and violas!)
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Cello end-pin strap (only for cellos!)
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A rock stop (only for basses!)
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Tuesday, May 8: Silver Trail Orchestra will be playing at the Silver Trail Spring Concert with the band and choir!
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The concerts begins at Silver Trail Elementary at 6:30pm. String students should be there no later than 6:00pm to prepare
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More details soon!
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Monday, May 14: All 6th graders will play in the All-District Orchestra Concert!
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Each school and grade will get to perform one piece, and then all the orchestra students in the district grades 6-12 will perform one piece all together!
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More details soon!
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
I will be teaching at each of the five schools that offer 6th grade orchestra; each group will meet in the morning once a week in order to accommodate my part time schedule for this year. I want to give each student time to find their instrument and materials during the first couple weeks before we jump into class. If you have questions during this process, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Here is the weekly schedule for each school:
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Ross Elementary: Monday 8:10-8:40
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Reed Elementary: Tuesday 8:00-8:30
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Teed Elementary: Wednesday 8:15-8:45
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Crimson Point Elementary: Thursday 8:30-9:00
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Silver Trail Elementary: Friday 7:15-7:45
In addition to these weekly rehearsals at each school, I would like to implement a district-wide 6th grade orchestra rehearsal on Thursdays after school, 3:15-4:00 at KMS. This large-group rehearsal will be important to the consistency of each student's orchestral education, and vital to allow for the students to perform together as one large ensemble in concerts through the year.
Group rehearsals start Thursday, October 12!!! Please let me know if you're child is unable to make it to these rehearsals for any reason, or if you are someone who could help with a potential carpool from your elementary to the middle school. I can't wait to get everyone in one room!