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

Meeting Outline About Orchestra in Mequon-Thiensville School District Benefits of Orchestra Choosing an instrument Summer orchestra 4 th 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 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 4 th grade and band starts in 5 th 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 4 th grade and switching to band in 5 th 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 4 th 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. 4-8 th 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 (3 rd 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 Orchestra Kirsten 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