Welcome to the Fourth Grade Orchestra Meeting

from the Mequon-Thiensville Orchestra Instructors:

Megan Aswegan - Elementary School OrchestraKirsten Ertl – Middle and Elementary School Orchestra

John Emanuelson – High School Orchestra

PLEASE SIGN IN

Meeting Outline About Orchestra in Mequon-Thiensville

School District Benefits of Orchestra Choosing an instrument Summer orchestra 4th grade orchestra September schedule Rent an instrument (representatives in café) Practicing, Success and Commitment Mequon-Thiensville Orchestra Parents Questions

About MTSD Orchestra

Began 40 years ago Grades 4-12 450 students Opportunities (concerts, clinics,

community outreach)

Benefits of Orchestra

• Skills Developed

• Social Interactions

Orchestra Instruments• Violin

• Viola

• Cello

• Double Bass

Band Instruments• Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe,

• Clarinet, Saxophone)

• Brass (Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba)

• Percussion (Drums,

Cymbals, Bells, Accessories)

Why orchestra starts in 4th grade and band starts in 5th grade?

- Orchestra instruments come in smaller sizes for smaller people

- Band instruments are one size fits all

- Need strong lungs and breath support for most band instruments

The orchestra and band teachers discourage students from starting a orchestra instrument in 4th grade and switching to band in 5th grade. How to

decide….

• Talk about what kind of sounds and styles of music the child likes (high, low, soft, loud)

• Listen to professional or high school level bands and orchestras

• Watch a marching band performance• Go to your local music store and try out the different

instruments

Summer Orchestra

1. Most students will begin lessons this summer available through the Recreation Department. Taught by Mr. and Mrs. Dixon, retired MTSD orchestra teachers. June 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29, August 21, 22, 24 ($84 fee, Register by mail or online)

2. If you are unable to take this class I recommend taking private lessons over the summer.

3. If you are unable to take any lessons over the summer you can start instruction on a string instrument in September beginning the second week of 4th grade.

4th grade September orchestra schedule

All students will attend 2 before school large group orchestra rehearsals and 1, 30 minute small group lesson during the school day weekly. ($25 activity fee due

at 4th grade registration in August)

Before School Orchestra

• Donges Bay 8:00 -8:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays (DB multi-purpose room)

• Wilson and Oriole Lane 8:00-8:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays (Wilson Gym)

A bus will transport OL students to OL after orchestra

Parents will need to provide transportation to before school orchestra. Carpooling is also a good option.

Small group lessons during the school day

• The students will be placed into a small group with other students who play the same instrument for their 30 minute lesson.

• The times for the lessons rotate so that they will not miss the same class every time.

Concerts

• December - 7:00 p.m. 4-8th grade Winter Orchestra concert at Homestead High School Auditorium

• February - 7:00 p.m. Grades 4-12 All District Orchestra Festival, HHS Field House

• TBD 5-7 p.m. Orchestra Pasta Dinner• May – Spring Concert (wear black and white, rehearsals during the

school day, bring a music stand)

Rent a Instrument• Students usually rent an instrument until they are

full grown (3rd graders typically start in a ½ size.)• Students may rent an instrument through a music

store of thier choice. • Be sure to purchase the required accessories (Music

Book, Rock Stop for cello and bass, Shoulder rest for violin and viola, Rosin)

• Optional accessories (music stand, cleaning cloth)• Brass Bell and White House of Music visit the music

teachers in our district on a weekly basis which allows for easy and quick delivery.

• Representatives are available today to discuss options and prices.

Previously Owned Instrument

• Instrument needs to be approved by Mrs. Aswegan or Mrs. Ertl

• Needs to be in good condition and must stay in tune.

• Needs to be the correct size for the child.

How to Become a Successful Orchestra Student

In order for students to be successful, they must…• Practice regularly at home (100 min. each week)• Show commitment by continuing in orchestra• Keep their instrument in good playing condition• Perform in all of the scheduled concerts • Arrive on time for before school rehearsals

Support from Home

In order for students to be successful, parents should …

• Provide a quiet place for practice• Encourage regular practice in a positive manner• Provide a working instrument that is in good

condition • Support the student’s attendance at rehearsals,

lessons and in concerts.

MTSD Orchestra Parents

• Benefits of Orchestra from a parent’s perspective

• How the Orchestra Parents Support the Orchestra program

Questions ???

Before you leave tonight

• 1. Sign In

• 2. Register for summer orchestra (or see recreation department website to register online)

• 3. Talk to a store representative to rent an instrument if you desire

Thank You

Orchestra Directors

Megan Aswegan – Elementary School OrchestraKirsten Ertl – Middle and Elementary School Orchestra

John Emanuelson – High School Orchestra

Before you leave tonight

• 1. Sign In

• 2. Register for summer orchestra (or see recreation department website to register online)

• 3. Talk to a store representative to rent an instrument if you desire