Visiting the 5th graders

I had a great time meeting with the 5th grade classes and introducing myself and the 5th grade orchestra class.  We talked about the four instruments that make up a string orchestra, violin, viola, cello and bass. About practicing individual parts to make our orchestra team sound great together. There are usually many violins students, we would love to have violas and cellos too for some balance.  If your student is unsure about which instrument to play, let's talk.  The students will need to come up with their own instrument as the elementary schools don't have string instruments to use.  We will also be using a book: Essential Elements 2000 book 1.  If your child is interested in music and being part of the amazing musical groups at CMS and CHS, 5th grade orchestra will be a great place to start their musical journey of being part of an ensemble.  Please email me with any questions or concerns or if you need a sign up sheet and I will email that to you.  We will begin meeting as a class on September 3rd but will not be using instruments until September 12.  The students will bring their instruments to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  They can be put in their teacher's office during the day until class time.
Places to look for instruments:
    Whittlesticks, Inc
    535 S. Main Street Suite 5
    435-867-4424
Talk with Luke Heaton, he makes instruments and sells them. Has a lot of knowledge about string instruments.  He sometimes has used instruments to sell.

    Cedar Music Store
    602 S. Main
   435-867-4424
They sell instruments or have rental plans.

Also, ask friends or family members if they have an instrument that's not being used.  You can look at pawn shops or yard sales or online.  Also, St. George has a couple of music stores: 4-String Violin Shop (453-628-7042) and St. George School of Music (435-674-2880)  Be aware of the quality, stay away from instruments that have cracks, pegs are slipping and don't hold the string in tune or have a hum or buzzing noise when playing them.

Welcome

Welcome to 5th Grade Orchestra!  We'll be meeting on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons:
        East: 12:10 to 12:50
        South: 1:30 to 2:15
        North 2:45 to 3:30
We'll start meeting September 3rd.
This class is open to any 5th grader who is interested in learning to play a musical instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass) in an ensemble (group).  We will start at the beginning with rhythm and note reading, how to follow a conductor, and fingering and bow position for your instrument.  We will move as quickly or slowly as we can as a class.  It takes a lot of teamwork and individual work to play in an orchestra and I hope that student will be determined to take the time and put in the effort to learn to play their individual parts.  Because putting together different rhythms and sounds to harmonize into a beautiful masterpiece is an AMAZING experience!