Overview of String Program

Program Information

• Elementary string instruction is offered to all interested students in the fourth and fifth grade.  Students are encouraged to enter the program in elementary school as there are no beginning lessons offered at the middle school level.  String lessons are available for the violin, viola, cello and bass.

• Weekly group lessons encourage students to progress on their instrument.  Lessons are once a week for half an hour and free of charge.  Lessons meet during the school day on a rotating basis so that students do not miss the same block of class each week.

• Returning fifth grade students also attend a 45-minute orchestra rehearsal each week.  Fourth graders begin to participate in an orchestral setting in the spring semester.  Please keep in mind that your child can participate in both chorus and orchestra. 

• If your child is interested in orchestra please consider the following expectations:

  • Attend all lessons with instrument, book, music folder, pencil, rosin, completed and signed practice calendar, and shoulder rest (violin/viola) or endpin stopper (cello/bass)

  • Practice 75 minutes each week (15-20 minutes each day)   

  • Attend orchestra rehearsal with required materials

  • Participate in all concerts and class performances

Instrument Information

• You may rent an instrument from local music stores on a monthly basis.  Many of the stores in the Capital District carry good quality string instruments.  We urge you to call or visit any of the stores listed in the Yellow Pages under "Musical Instruments" before making a decision in regard to renting or leasing.  You may also want to call the store and reserve an instrument early in the summer so you are guaranteed to have a rental when school begins.

• The school has a limited amount of string instruments that are available for rent for families with limited incomes such as those who have assistance with the lunch program.  Please be aware that the condition of these instruments is not as good as a store rental.

• Those students choosing to play cello or bass are responsible for transporting the instrument to and from school on lesson/orchestra days.  These larger instruments are not allowed on the bus for safety reasons.

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This page is maintained in accordance with Shenendehowa's web publishing guidelines by R. Tallman.