FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

     Do you have an orientation meeting to get more information?

Yes, usually the fourth week in August we will have an orientation meeting for new families to get an overview of the program, see & handle the different instruments so the students can choose one, and meet the directors. Please check the calendar page for the date & location. It will be posted in July.

     What are your ensembles?

 

Elementary Music Class   is for students age 5 - 9 that will teach basic music skills and give them a good foundation to start in an ensemble at age 10. At present we have two elementary music classes, and will expand those as needed in the fall depending on enrollment. The basics of music, composers, an overview of orchestra instruments will be taught through songs, rhythm games, handbells, and Orff instruments. This class will be 40 minutes.

Elementary Chorus is for students in grades 3 - 5 and is a beginning vocal group.  It will teach basic music concepts and vocal skills.

Beginning Orchestra and Beginning Band:  The Beginning Orchestra and Band are for those with no experience who are 10 years of age or older The Beginning Orchestra is for the string  instruments - violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The Beginning  Band is for the wind and percussion instruments - flute, oboe,  clarinet, bassoon, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, French horn,  trumpet, trombone, euphonium, trombone & tuba. Both groups will be meeting once a week for 75 minutes. All students will  be expected to practice the music assigned by their director each  day.

Intermediate Orchestra and Intermediate Band   are for students who have completed Beginning Band or Orchestra, or the equivalent. New students will be expected to audition for these groups. These classes will concentrate on developing technique and reviewing basic skills learned in the beginning classes. These classes are 75 minutes long, and students are expected to practice 20 minutes 5 days/week.
 

Philharmonic Orchestra and Concert Band  are for the students who have at least 2 years of previous experience. New students will be expected to audition for these groups. The orchestra is for string players, while the wind ensemble is for wind and percussion players. The orchestra and the wind ensemble will meet for 75 minutes a week  and will be expected to practice 30 minutes 5 days/week.

Symphony Orchestra  is a high school level group for more advanced players.  Students in the two upper levels will need to audition for placement  into a group. This ensemble is for string, wind, and percussion players who are ready for a  more challenging environment. It will meet for 75 minutes a week,  and will be expected to practice 30 minutes 5 days/week.

MS Chorus  is aimed at upper elementary/middle school students (age 10-13.) We will be learning a variety of pieces including  folk songs, classical pieces and spirituals. No experience is required. Basic music theory, vocal technique, and sight-singing will be taught.  Students are expected to practice 20 minutes for 5 days/week.

Concert Choir  is a high school level choir that will be doing more advanced vocal music. They will continue to develop their sight singing & vocal technique. Students are expected to practice 30 minutes for 5 days/week.

Advanced Choir    is a chamber choir that is available only to high school students and is by audition only.  The cost for that class is $125 (since it is a second class as students also MUST be enrolled in Concert Choir.)

     Do we need private lessons?

Private lessons are encouraged for all instrumental students. Voice lessons are not recommended until high school. The private lesson is a specialist tailoring the teaching of the instrument or voice to the needs of one student, while teaching all of the needed techniques. While not required, the students learns faster because the two work together to meet the student's individual needs. Ensemble directors concentrate on group techniques, and most do not have time in the class period for individual instruction.

      What is the difference between band and orchestra?

A symphony orchestra is comprised of string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass), woodwinds (flute, clarinet, etc.),  brass (trumpets, trombone, etc.), and percussion (timpani, chimes, bells) etc. It may also include piano (only one!) harp, etc.
A string orchestra just has string instruments.
A band is made up of woodwinds, brass, and percussion.

String instruments can be started as young as 7 - 8 years old,   but band instruments are usually not started until 5th grade   because young children are not physiologically able to play brass & woodwind instruments and the instruments are too large and cannot be "sized down" like string instruments can be. Violins, etc. come in sizes like 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 for younger players and are traded up to a larger size as the child grows.

     Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, you may pay your tuition & fees in 4 monthly payments. We also have limited scholarship funds available. Payments may be paid via PayPal.

    

    

White Monogrammed Performance Polo shirt: $15 (A blue monogrammed polo - not used for performances - is available for $20)

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