Dear Prospective Orchestra Parent,

This week your child attended a string ensemble recruiting assembly. Its main

purpose was to introduce students to the instruments that will be taught in next year’s

elementary instrumental orchestra program. As a parent, you will play a very important

role in the future success of your child’s music making, should your student(s) decide to

join the program.

Studying music through learning an instrument is a uniquely rewarding experience.

Many of its benefits are well-celebrated:  the discipline it develops through practicing; the

skills of teamwork it develops through rehearsing and performing with others; the sense of

pride it engenders after a performance of great music; and the opportunity to discover one's

own culture and those of others through a creative medium practiced by nearly every

culture, religion, and country.  

We believe music is one of society's greatest inventions. It is a form of artistry that is

both scientific and aesthetic. It can simultaneously be studied like a science and enjoyed as

an entertainment. Listening to music is an important part of its appreciation, but

performing it is even more meaningful, and we're proud that Smithtown Elementary school

supports these programs.

In fact, you and your child may have already decided, "Yes, I want to study an

instrument!" But we realize you may have questions:  Which instrument should my child

play? How much of a financial commitment will I have to make? Where can I rent or

purchase an instrument?  How and when are the lessons and rehearsals scheduled?

The string instruments available to study are:

* Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass

 Instrument rental and repairs are done entirely through Kalamazoo Public School’s

instrument library. There is a $60 use fee and a $30 maintenance fee. The maintenance fee

will cover any possible damages to the instrument, as long as the damage was not

malicious.

If there are any other questions feel free to contact me, Mr. Whitney, at

whitneykm@kalamazoopublicschools.net.

Musically yours,

Mr. Keegan Whitney

Orchestra Director

Washington Elementary School

Overview of the Smith Town Elementary

Instrumental Music Program

The two parts of the program

1. Daily
individual practice (3
days per
week, 30 minutes
per day)
2. Concert Orchestra rehearsals (twice
weekly during school, Mondays and
Tuesdays)

Student Responsibilities

1. Practice for 30 minutes 3-5 days a week.

2. Treat instrument, lesson book, and music with care and respect.
3. Attend all rehearsals on-time and properly prepared.
4. Use a positive “can do” attitude.

Parent Responsibilities

1. Provide an instrument in good working order.

2. Be encouraging and supportive.
3. Help child plan ahead for practice time. Help child set a schedule and follow it.
4. Verify and sign the practice sheet the night before a lesson.

Music Teacher Responsibilities

1. I will teach children proper ways to handle and care for their instruments.
2. I will teach children the proper ways to play their instrument.
3. I will provide students with information about various aspects of music history,
music theory, and performance practice.
4. I will help every student become the best player they can be while cultivating their
passion and love of music.
5. I will provide opportunities for students to perform in individual, small group, and
large group settings.
6. I will help students create, perform, appreciate, and critique music.
7. I will encourage students to find the beauty in music and interpret it in expressive
ways.

Sign Up Sheet for Instrumental Music Program

Fill out the top portion only and return to your classroom teacher
by November 19th

Student’s Name: ______________________________________

Parent’s Name: _______________________________________

Phone: _____________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

Classroom Teacher: ____________________________________

 Check below:
________ My child currently takes piano lessons # of years:_______________
________ We own the following instrument(s):___________________________
Is this instrument currently in use? _________

All sheets returned late will be put on a waiting list.

Please do NOT write below here – for teacher use only. This will be completed with the teacher and
student together.

Violin Viola Cello Bass

1st choice _____________ 2nd choice _______________ 3rd choice _______________

(We will use this scoring sheet to help choose the best instrument for each student.)