6th Grade Orchestra In the Sheboygan Area School District
Dear 5th Grade Orchestra Parents, January 2017
Entering middle school is a big step forward in life for your child. I hope you and your child are both looking forward to the changes ahead – there are so many opportunities available that can make the middle school years very exciting and rewarding! Like any big changes in life, however, there are many things to consider!
You will notice that there are choices to be made when considering your child’s schedule, which may lead to confusion. The intent of this letter is to help you and your child fully understand the options available. Please read the following FAQ’s before signing your child up for classes!
Q – What are the Music Class options for Middle School at Farnsworth, Horace Mann or Urban?
(Warriner School does not offer Music Classes. Etude Middle School does not offer traditional band or orchestra classes).
A – All students in 5th Orchestra are encouraged to continue in 6th grade Orchestra.
*In addition, all students must choose either Choir or General Music (Choir is encouraged).
*Please note that 6th Grade Orchestra is a class meant for 2nd year players. It is not a beginner class. We only offer beginning Orchestra in 5th grade. These classes meet during the middle of the day.
Q – How is middle school orchestra different from 5th grade orchestra?
A – There are many differences. Here are some:
A – Cellos and Basses are available for a rental fee. Violins and violas are not. There are special programs available for families in need of assistance, and your child’s strings teacher can get information out about those. If your child wants to continue playing in 6th grade but getting an instrument is not possible at this time, go ahead and register for 6th grade orchestra. There are some different options available for obtaining an instrument. Please talk with your child’s orchestra teacher regarding this. If your child wants to play, we will find a way!!
Q – Do I have to purchase an instrument (violin/viola) for my child to participate in orchestra?
A – No. If your child is on the smaller end, purchasing an instrument may not be a good option. Many music stores offer rent-to-own programs that offer the flexibility to exchange instruments as your child grows. Purchase is an option for students who already fit a full-size instrument, but many families still prefer the rent-to-own programs. Contact local music stores to see what programs they offer – the earlier you start looking, the greater choices you will find.
Q – I want to look into getting my child an instrument. Should I go to a store or can I shop online?
A – If you shop online, “buyer beware” unless you really know what you are looking for. If you would like some guidance, your orchestra teacher will be happy to help – just ask. Check the phone book for the local music stores. There are a variety of programs to make instruments more affordable such as “rent-to-own” programs. Rental returns are an especially good buy! Your orchestra teacher will be providing some information on instrument brands, as well as, purchase information.
Q – I am not sure that I can afford to purchase an instrument or rent from a music store. Are there school-sponsored programs that can help?
A – Yes! LINKS (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) instruments are available through the school district. Those students that qualify for free/reduced lunch have access to LINKS instruments. LINKS instruments are “checked out” to qualifying students and are theirs to use as long as they are in the orchestra program. If interested, talk to your child’s current orchestra teacher for a LINKS form. Again, The most important thing to consider is whether or not your child would like to be in orchestra. If “yes”, then sign up!! Instrument needs can be dealt with later. If your child wants to play, we will find away! J
Q – I would like my child to take a foreign language in middle school. Can they still take orchestra in 6th 7th, and 8th Grade?
A – Yes. Foreign language is first available in 7th grade and students are given enough choices to fit both into their schedules.
Q – My child wants to stay in orchestra, but would also like to try other music choices. Is that possible?
A – Yes. Many Orchestra, Band and Chorus students also take Piano and Guitar classes when they are available in the 7th/8th grade.
Q – Is orchestra offered beyond middle school?
A - Yes! Both high schools in Sheboygan have very active orchestra programs.
Q – Thinking down the road…do colleges like to see participation in the arts on transcripts?
A – Yes. Colleges look for well-rounded students. Participation in music, as well as the other arts, displays to the college admissions that your child has a wide variety of skills and interests. Many colleges give out scholarships for students participating in the orchestra – both for music majors and non-music majors.
Q – Is playing an instrument a life-long skill?
A - It certainly can be, as well as, a life-long enjoyment! There are many adults that, after playing an instrument through middle and high school, now enjoy participating in a community or orchestra.
Please feel free to contact one of the middle school orchestra teachers if you have further questions!
Sarah Oftedahl – Farnsworth and Horace Mann Angela Krajnek – Urban
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Entering middle school is a big step forward in life for your child. I hope you and your child are both looking forward to the changes ahead – there are so many opportunities available that can make the middle school years very exciting and rewarding! Like any big changes in life, however, there are many things to consider!
You will notice that there are choices to be made when considering your child’s schedule, which may lead to confusion. The intent of this letter is to help you and your child fully understand the options available. Please read the following FAQ’s before signing your child up for classes!
Q – What are the Music Class options for Middle School at Farnsworth, Horace Mann or Urban?
(Warriner School does not offer Music Classes. Etude Middle School does not offer traditional band or orchestra classes).
A – All students in 5th Orchestra are encouraged to continue in 6th grade Orchestra.
*In addition, all students must choose either Choir or General Music (Choir is encouraged).
*Please note that 6th Grade Orchestra is a class meant for 2nd year players. It is not a beginner class. We only offer beginning Orchestra in 5th grade. These classes meet during the middle of the day.
Q – How is middle school orchestra different from 5th grade orchestra?
A – There are many differences. Here are some:
- Due to the fact that students are no longer in those basic, beginning steps, they can begin to enjoy more challenging music in a wide variety of styles.
- Students have many more opportunities to perform as a full orchestra, as well as, smaller ensembles.
- Students have the opportunity to play in chamber groups.
- Not only do students have small-group lessons, but they have a large-group rehearsal every other day.
- Orchestra is actually a scheduled class so students have much more playing time on their instruments.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in the annual Middle School Solo/Ensemble Festival.
- Students participate in the All-City String Festival.
- Students participate in Middle School Orchestra Night where they get to play with students from the other middle schools and work with guest clinicians who are well-known clinicians from around the state.
- There are opportunities for students to attend special concerts and field trips. 8th graders even take a trip to Chicago yearly to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra!
A – Cellos and Basses are available for a rental fee. Violins and violas are not. There are special programs available for families in need of assistance, and your child’s strings teacher can get information out about those. If your child wants to continue playing in 6th grade but getting an instrument is not possible at this time, go ahead and register for 6th grade orchestra. There are some different options available for obtaining an instrument. Please talk with your child’s orchestra teacher regarding this. If your child wants to play, we will find a way!!
Q – Do I have to purchase an instrument (violin/viola) for my child to participate in orchestra?
A – No. If your child is on the smaller end, purchasing an instrument may not be a good option. Many music stores offer rent-to-own programs that offer the flexibility to exchange instruments as your child grows. Purchase is an option for students who already fit a full-size instrument, but many families still prefer the rent-to-own programs. Contact local music stores to see what programs they offer – the earlier you start looking, the greater choices you will find.
Q – I want to look into getting my child an instrument. Should I go to a store or can I shop online?
A – If you shop online, “buyer beware” unless you really know what you are looking for. If you would like some guidance, your orchestra teacher will be happy to help – just ask. Check the phone book for the local music stores. There are a variety of programs to make instruments more affordable such as “rent-to-own” programs. Rental returns are an especially good buy! Your orchestra teacher will be providing some information on instrument brands, as well as, purchase information.
Q – I am not sure that I can afford to purchase an instrument or rent from a music store. Are there school-sponsored programs that can help?
A – Yes! LINKS (Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids) instruments are available through the school district. Those students that qualify for free/reduced lunch have access to LINKS instruments. LINKS instruments are “checked out” to qualifying students and are theirs to use as long as they are in the orchestra program. If interested, talk to your child’s current orchestra teacher for a LINKS form. Again, The most important thing to consider is whether or not your child would like to be in orchestra. If “yes”, then sign up!! Instrument needs can be dealt with later. If your child wants to play, we will find away! J
Q – I would like my child to take a foreign language in middle school. Can they still take orchestra in 6th 7th, and 8th Grade?
A – Yes. Foreign language is first available in 7th grade and students are given enough choices to fit both into their schedules.
Q – My child wants to stay in orchestra, but would also like to try other music choices. Is that possible?
A – Yes. Many Orchestra, Band and Chorus students also take Piano and Guitar classes when they are available in the 7th/8th grade.
Q – Is orchestra offered beyond middle school?
A - Yes! Both high schools in Sheboygan have very active orchestra programs.
Q – Thinking down the road…do colleges like to see participation in the arts on transcripts?
A – Yes. Colleges look for well-rounded students. Participation in music, as well as the other arts, displays to the college admissions that your child has a wide variety of skills and interests. Many colleges give out scholarships for students participating in the orchestra – both for music majors and non-music majors.
Q – Is playing an instrument a life-long skill?
A - It certainly can be, as well as, a life-long enjoyment! There are many adults that, after playing an instrument through middle and high school, now enjoy participating in a community or orchestra.
Please feel free to contact one of the middle school orchestra teachers if you have further questions!
Sarah Oftedahl – Farnsworth and Horace Mann Angela Krajnek – Urban
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]