Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade can participate in the orchestra program. They can choose to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass.
Anyone choosing to begin playing an instrument is encouraged to take private lessons to catch up.
How much should students practice?
Students in Chamber Orchestra should practice 120 minutes per week and students in Sinfonia should practice 150 minutes per week. Practicing should occur at least 5 times a week. Please remember that practicing is HOMEWORK for this class and should be treated as such. Click on Practice Tips for more information.
How much time do students spend in orchestra?
Students meet for rehearsal every day for one period (50 min.) and also have a small group sectional once per week. Sectional times rotate so that students are not pulled from the same class each week. All missed work needs to be made up, so students need to be responsible and conscientious.
Should students take private lessons?
Private lessons are ALWAYS recommended. Sometimes students are struggling and need extra help, and sometimes students are excelling and could use an extra challenge to meet their potentials; either way, private lessons are the single best thing that a student can do to better their playing abilities. Find a list of private teachers here or click on Links.
What should I do if my child talks about quitting?
Please call (410) 880-5830 or email [email protected] so we can discuss the challenges your child may be facing. In most cases, students are feeling frustrated and are not practicing at home. With a little help, they usually feel more successful and enjoy orchestra more. It is expected that students will honor their commitments to orchestra for the entire year.
Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade can participate in the orchestra program. They can choose to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass.
Anyone choosing to begin playing an instrument is encouraged to take private lessons to catch up.
How much should students practice?
Students in Chamber Orchestra should practice 120 minutes per week and students in Sinfonia should practice 150 minutes per week. Practicing should occur at least 5 times a week. Please remember that practicing is HOMEWORK for this class and should be treated as such. Click on Practice Tips for more information.
How much time do students spend in orchestra?
Students meet for rehearsal every day for one period (50 min.) and also have a small group sectional once per week. Sectional times rotate so that students are not pulled from the same class each week. All missed work needs to be made up, so students need to be responsible and conscientious.
Should students take private lessons?
Private lessons are ALWAYS recommended. Sometimes students are struggling and need extra help, and sometimes students are excelling and could use an extra challenge to meet their potentials; either way, private lessons are the single best thing that a student can do to better their playing abilities. Find a list of private teachers here or click on Links.
What should I do if my child talks about quitting?
Please call (410) 880-5830 or email [email protected] so we can discuss the challenges your child may be facing. In most cases, students are feeling frustrated and are not practicing at home. With a little help, they usually feel more successful and enjoy orchestra more. It is expected that students will honor their commitments to orchestra for the entire year.