Pine Road Music Department
3rd Grade Orchestra
Dear Parents,
May, 2017
I would like to introduce you to the Lower Moreland Instrumental Music Program. Instruction is offered in3rd grade on a variety of orchestral instruments. Lessons are part of the regular school curriculum and are given without charge.
INSTRUMENT RENTAL
Instruments can be leased, assuring each child of high quality equipment. Zeswitz musicprovides the instrument rental service for our district. However, you can rent from any music store.It is suggested that you take the 9-month lease because it will take you through the entire school year and is a better value than the 4.5-month rental. Instrument lease forms will be distributed in September.
You are free to rent an instrument from any source you choose. We STRONGLY urge you to seek out a high quality instrument from a reputable music store. There are many low-cost musical instruments available from discount stores and on the internet that may seem like a bargain. These poorly made instruments can be guaranteed to give the student problems, and will cause music lessons to be a frustrating experience. Unless a music student starts with equipment that works well, there will be little chance for success.
It is suggested that string students do NOT purchase an instrument until they have reached full size. Students grow at a fast rate and it is important that they play on the correct sized instrument. They may go through several sizes in 3rd grade.
COMMITMENT
Playing a musical instrument can be exciting and fun. Performing in anorchestra is a unique experience in which children come together with the common goal of expressing themselves through music. Please keep in mind that an appreciable amount of dedication, hard work and daily practice is required. At the beginning, 10 minutes a day, 5 days per week is recommended. Before committing your child’s next year to this venture, consider whether they will be able to devote the necessary time and effort to become proficient on their chosen instrument. If the answer is yes, we wholeheartedly encourage you to sign up and begin what may be one of your child’s most fulfilling experiences. I am available for extra help if necessary.
Students receive a report card grade for lessons at the end of each semester. Changing to general music is only possible the first rotation of school and the first rotation of the second semester. It is expected that all students participating in string lessons will participate in the spring concert.
MUSICAL GROUPS
All students receiving school lessons are expected to participate in the school orchestra. Rehearsals of the 3rd grade orchestrawill take place Thursdays from 8:00 am until 8:45 starting about four weeks before the spring concert. More specific information will be sent home a month before morning rehearsals begin.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in this program for the 2017-18 school year, please complete the attached form and return it to your homeroom teacher by Friday, June9th. We have to create schedules for next year so it is best to return your form as soon as you can.
Thank you for your interest and support. Questions may be addressed to:
Mrs. Handfinger
3rd Grade String Sign Up
PLEASE RETURN TO HOMEROOM TEACHER
NO LATER THANFriday, June9th, 2017
*STUDENT’S NAME ______
*Parent Signature ______
Because Lower Moreland has gone green with paperwork, I will be emailing you information at the end of the school year. If you do not have access to email, please let me know and I will send home the information via regular mail. Also, depending on your spam filter, my emails sometimes get put into the junk folder. Please let me know if your email changes.
*Email ______
(Please print clearly)
Please indicate the instrument that you would like to play next year:
ORCHESTRA
___ violin
___ viola
___ cello
Do you currently take private lessons on this instrument?
___ yes
___ no
*Indicates that this needs to be filled in.