Welcome to the Fourth Grade Orchestra Meeting from the Mequon-Thiensville Orchestra Instructors: Megan Aswegan - Elementary School Orchestra Kirsten Ertl – Middle and Elementary School Orchestra John Emanuelson – High School Orchestra PLEASE SIGN IN
Dec 24, 2015
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)
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
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