FAQ's for Chorus, Band and Orchestra
BAND, ORCHESTRA, CHORUS F.A.Q.'S
Now that my child is registered, how do I acquire an instrument?
A list of available music vendors is located under the Music Vendor link on my teacher page. You may choose to rent or purchase an instrument from the vendor of your choice. Students will need to bring their instrument/book/supplies to their first lesson.
When do lessons begin?
Lessons will begin in September.
What lesson book are we using?
1. Band:
- Standard of Excellence, by Bruce Pearson, Neil A. Kjos Music Co.
2. Strings:
· Grade 3 & 4– Essential Elements for Strings - Book 1
How do I know what day/time my lesson is?
A monthly music calendar is generated to help students and parents track lessons. Your child will have their lesson on the same Cycle Day, not the day of the week. Lesson times rotate to ensure students do not miss the same special/flex core time repeatedly.
Monthly Music Calendar-
Each month, we create a music calendar to reflect Band, String, and Chorus lessons and rehearsals. Paper copies are distributed to the students in lessons. In addition, I will email a copy of the calendar to all parents who registered their email during sign-ups.
How will I know what group I am in?
1. Band lesson groups are named by the instrument that your child has registered for.
2. String instrument groups are indicated by a number and a letter. For example, if your child is a 3rd grader playing the violin, they may be in group 3A. If your child is a 4th grader playing the cello, they may be in group 4A.
*Your child will be notified as to what instrument group they are in PRIOR to their first lesson. We suggest that students write their first and last name and their group name inside their lesson book.
What is the difference between Lessons and Rehearsals?
1. Lessons occur during the school day (We refer to them as Band and String Lessons)
2. Rehearsals occur BEFORE the school day (8:15 AM). (We refer to them as Band, Orchestra, and Chorus)
When do Rehearsals begin?
1. Chorus and 4th Grade Orchestra begin in September and continue throughout the entire school year.
2. 4th Grade Band and 3rd Grade Orchestra begin in January
How long should I be practicing?
Practice is essential to ensure success with an instrument. We recommend that students practice 4 days a week for 10-15 minutes each day. Students who are most successful practice regularly and have an established practice routine. A weekly practice chart is located on the front page of your child's lesson book.
What if I am not musical and my child is having difficulty practicing at home?
Please reach out to Mrs. Hedenberg and Ms. Schaeffer. We have many techniques and resources we can share to create a positive practice experience tailored to your child's needs.