Idaho Arts Charter School
Orchestra

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BEGINNING (6th grade) ORCHESTRA INFORMATION

To ensure a solid education foundation for playing an orchestra instrument, students will need to choose their Orchestra instruments from the following choices:

Violin: The smallest instrument in the string family.
Viola: Very similar to the violin, but has a deeper and richer tone.
Cello: The second largest instrument in the string family, is played sitting down and has a deep rich tone.
String Bass: The largest instrument in the string family. While I would love another string bass player, this instrument cannot be taken home on the bus.

Since each group will only meet 2 or 3 days a week, it is extremely important that students are prepared for class by looking at the school calendar and bringing their instrument on the correct day. It is also VERY important that students practice 100 minutes per week. Otherwise, it will be easy for a student to fall behind in the class's progress.

METHOD BOOK:

Sound Innovations for String Orchestra Book 1, (blue book), by Bob Phillips, et al. " All For Strings Theory Workbook 1, by Gerald E. Anderson and Robert S. Frost.

Be sure to purchase the appropriate book for your particular instrument.

EQUIPMENT

Violins and Violas:

• Instrument
• Pencil
• Shoulder rest
• Cleaning rag (old soft t-shirt)
• Rosin
• Extra set of strings - optional, but strings do break. It is wise to keep a set of strings in case one breaks at a concert.

Cello and String Bass:

• Instrument
• Pencil
• Rockstop
• Cleaning rag (old soft t-shirt)
• Rosin
• Extra set of strings - optional, but strings do break. It is wise to keep a set of strings in case one breaks at a concert.

IACS ARCONAUTICS ORCHESTRA INFORMATION

Students enrolled in this class must play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or string bass). The music selections in this class range from easy to medium-easy levels. The student will develop skills necessary to play the instrument of choice with facility and skill. These skills will include, but are not limited to, technical facility, scale development, artistic expression, and instrumental care. This will be accomplished through in-class practice and ensemble playing. All participants will also prepare solo work, and will be expected to perform in a recital/concert setting. Students will be graded on participation and personal improvement.

To ensure a solid education foundation for playing an orchestra instrument, students will need to continue with their Orchestra instruments from the 6th grade.

If a student wants to play a different instrument, he/she will need to re-audition on that instrument at the beginning of the school year. Please have an instrument and book by the 2nd day of school (August 19) It is VERY important that students practice 100 minutes per week. Otherwise, it will be easy for a student to fall behind in the class's progress.

METHOD BOOK:

Sound Innovations for String Orchestra Book 1, (blue book), by Bob Phillips, et al. " Sound Innovations for String Orchestra Book 2, (red book) by Bob Phillips et al.

Be sure to purchase the appropriate book for your particular instrument.

EQUIPMENT

Violins and Violas:

• Instrument
• Pencil
• Shoulder rest
• Black ½" Binder
• Cleaning rag (old soft t-shirt)
• Rosin
• Metronome
• Extra set of strings - optional, but strings do break. It is wise to keep a set of strings in case one breaks at a concert.

Cello and String Bass:

• Instrument
• Pencil
• Rockstop
• Black ½" Binder
• Cleaning rag (old soft t-shirt)
• Rosin
• Metronome
• Extra set of strings - optional, but strings do break. It is wise to keep a set of strings in case one breaks at a concert.

IACS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA INFORMATION

Students must audition for this class. Students enrolled must play a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or string bass). The music selections in this class range from medium-easy to difficult levels. The student will develop skills necessary to play the instrument of choice with facility and skill. These skills will include, but are not limited to, technical facility, scale development, artistic expression, and instrumental care. This will be accomplished through in-class practice and ensemble playing. All participants will also prepare solo work, and will be expected to perform in a recital/concert setting. Students will be graded on participation and personal improvement.

To ensure a solid education foundation for playing an orchestra instrument, students will need to continue with their Orchestra instruments.

Please have an instrument and book by the first day of school. It is VERY important that students practice 150 minutes per week. Otherwise, it will be easy for a student to fall behind in the class's progress.

METHOD BOOK:

" Advanced Technique for Strings, Essential Elements Comprehensive String Method by Michael Allen, Robert Gillespie, & Pamela Tellejohn Hayes (Gold Book)

Be sure to purchase the appropriate book for your particular instrument.

EQUIPMENT

Violins and Violas:

• Instrument
• Pencil
• Shoulder rest
• Black ½" Binder
• Cleaning rag (old soft t-shirt)
• Rosin
• Metronome
• Extra set of strings - optional, but strings do break. It is wise to keep a set of strings in case one breaks at a concert.

Cello and String Bass:

• Instrument
• Pencil
• Rockstop
• Black ½" Binder
• Cleaning rag (old soft t-shirt)
• Rosin
• Metronome
• Extra set of strings - optional, but strings do break. It is wise to keep a set of strings in case one breaks at a concert.

INSTRUMENTS

NOTE: Students will need to rent their own instruments from the local music stores. It is a good idea to get to the music stores to select an instrument AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. The best instruments will quickly be rented. If you are unsure of which instrument to select, the music stores can help you in this process. Students will need instruments by the end of the first week of class (August 22) . (SEE LIST OF MUSIC STORES BELOW.)

Parents, please mark the student's instrument case clearly with a luggage tag of some kind for easy identification. (There are a bunch of cases that look alike!!) And be sure to label your books and all supplies with your full name written in permanent marker, as well.

FULL SERVICE ORCHESTRA - ORIENTED MUSIC STORES

Orchestra Resources:

Violin Tuner
Web Metronome
Music Theory

I am looking forward to working with our students as we begin another school year. If you have any questions, please contact me at the school (463-4324, ext. 437, or by email at: christina.jenkins@idahoartscharter.org

Mrs. Jenkins
IACS Orchestra Director