Parents FAQs
Q: How do I get an instrument for my child?
A: There are several music stores that carry good instruments for middle school aged students.
Q: I found a cheap instrument on Ebay or another online site. Should I get it?
A: NO!!!! It is NEVER recommended to buy inexpensive instruments at wholesale club type stores or online auction sites. They are usually inferior and are sometimes completely unusable. If a price seems too good to be true, it usually is. Please consult Mrs. McKay before you buy an instrument.
Q: How do I know what size instrument to get for my child?
A: Mrs. McKay will gladly size your child for the correct size instrument. At this point in your child's musical development, it is important that they are using an instrument that is the correct size. Serious muscular and nerve damage can develop from improper playing positions and poor posture as a result of incorrect instrument size.
Q: Does my child need a shoulder rest for their violin or viola?
A: At this point in their musical development, it is important that your child is using a shoulder rest that enables them to play comfortably. Serious muscular and nerve damage can develop from improper playing positions and poor posture. Mrs. McKay has several examples at school that she will allow the students to use to find which one is most suitable for them.
Students FAQs
Q: When do I come to sectionals?
A: You can check the schedules for your sectional time on this website CLICK HERE
OR you can check the schedule posted on the Strings room door
OR you can check the schedule posted on the Health Ed. room door
Q: When do I come to AE rehearsals?
A: 6th, 7th and 8th grade all have rehearsal EVERY Tuesday and Thursday unless otherwise noted on the schedule
Q: What should I bring with me to Orchestra?
A: You should bring your instrument, folder with your book and music, and a pencil!
Q: What do I do if I can't come to Orchestra because of a test or quiz?
A: If you must miss Orchestra for a test or quiz you must sign-out in the Strings room BEFORE you miss class. You will be marked unexcused if you don't sign-out until after you've missed class.
Q: What do I do if I miss Orchestra because I was out sick or because I had a test?
A: You can always come to the Strings room and check for your practicing assignments on the folders near the chalkboard. Make sure you look at the folder for your group!!
Q: Do I have to play in the Concerts?
A: YES!!!!!! As a member of the orchestra, each student is a valuable part of the ensemble and is expected to perform as part of the ensemble. By concert time students will have put forth a great deal of effort into individual practice and ensemble rehearsal. Concert dates are scheduled at the beginning of the academic year and every effort is taken to ensure that parents are informed of concert dates so that planned absences can be scheduled around concerts. For Concert Dates look at the Calendar CLICK HERE