Dear Youth String Orchestra Parent,
Welcome to the string orchestra ensemble! It is your support in this decision that will pay tremendous dividends in your child’s life for many years to come, so thank you! A child learns skills in orchestra that can be used in every facet of life: teamwork, dedication, self-discipline, and responsibility, and a variety of research shows that music students are among the strongest academically in their schools and score higher on standardized tests than other students. This page will talk about your child’s responsibilities and opportunities as an orchestra member for the upcoming semester. Please take the time needed to read it through and mark the concert dates on your calendar so your child will not have conflicts with these events. Orchestra is not only a team effort, but also a performing art. You do not have to know anything about music to assist your child in this endeavor. Arrange a time and place where practice can be done without interruptions. This practice should become a part of each child’s daily routine. He/she should never merely put in the required time, but should practice with the goal of always improving. Music should be placed at eye level. Please do not allow your child to put the music on a table, bed, etc., because this encourages poor playing posture. Remember: Practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, but PERFECT practice does! I look forward to sharing my love of orchestra with your child and providing them with an outstanding experience. |
Concert Date
December 18, 2023 Christmas Concert Time: 6:30pm Location: Solid Foundation
Ensemble Description:
The purpose of orchestra is to enable students to develop skills and techniques on bowed string instruments through the performance and refinement of a variety of orchestral literature in an ensemble setting.
Content Covered Throughout the Semester:
Supplies needed:
All violinists and violists are required to own an adjustable shoulder rest.
Attendance Policy:
All students must arrive early to unpack their instrument and set up their stand & music, so that our rehearsal starts on time. Any students who miss more than 2 rehearsals in a concert cycle can be removed from the opportunity to perform at the concert at the discretion of the conductor. Each tardy counts as missing half a rehearsal.
**Orchestra is a team. It is essential that all members be present for each rehearsal because every musician plays an important role in the balance of sound and harmony, much like a sports team needs all of its players present to cover every position.
Seating Procedures:
The following elements will be assessed in determining seating for a concert:
*Any player who misses the last 2 rehearsals before a concert will forfeit his or her chair, being moved to a director-determined position at the back of a section.
Dress Code:
Concerts:
Boys
*Black dress pants (no jeans)
*Black long-sleeved button down dress shirt
*Black dress socks
*Black dress shoes (no athletic shoes
*Optional tie /bowtie
Girls
*Black floor-length skirt (cellists where dress pants)
*Completely black dress shirt or blouse (must cover
shoulder completely
*Black opaque stockings or socks
*Black dress shoes (no high heels)
*Students may be asked to wear seasonal items for concerts.
General Rules of Behavior:
PRIVATE LESSONS
At any skill level, rudimentary to advanced, private lessons are the most efficient and effective way to maximize a student’s learning potential. For this reason, private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students. If you desire lessons and need a recommendation, please contact Ms. Hagadorn-Brien for suggestions.
Semester Fee: $65 per student (non-refundable)
Payments can be cash, check, and/or via PayPal (search @SirenStringsTX)
*Please speak to Mrs. Hagadorn-Brien if arrangements for a payment plan are needed.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ashley Hagadorn-Brien
Youth String Orchestra Conductor
[email protected]
December 18, 2023 Christmas Concert Time: 6:30pm Location: Solid Foundation
Ensemble Description:
The purpose of orchestra is to enable students to develop skills and techniques on bowed string instruments through the performance and refinement of a variety of orchestral literature in an ensemble setting.
Content Covered Throughout the Semester:
- Characteristic tone production
- Correct playing techniques (e.g. posture, position, fingering, or bowing)
- Music literacy
- Appropriate performance style
- Technical proficiency as related to ensemble performance
Supplies needed:
- 3-ring binder or Duotang two pocket folder
- Pencil to be kept in the binder/folder
- Spare set of strings in instrument case
- Rosin
- Portable music standBeginners & Intermediate only: Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Volume 1 (for their instrument)
All violinists and violists are required to own an adjustable shoulder rest.
Attendance Policy:
All students must arrive early to unpack their instrument and set up their stand & music, so that our rehearsal starts on time. Any students who miss more than 2 rehearsals in a concert cycle can be removed from the opportunity to perform at the concert at the discretion of the conductor. Each tardy counts as missing half a rehearsal.
**Orchestra is a team. It is essential that all members be present for each rehearsal because every musician plays an important role in the balance of sound and harmony, much like a sports team needs all of its players present to cover every position.
Seating Procedures:
The following elements will be assessed in determining seating for a concert:
- Posture
- Correct Notes and Rhythms
- Tone Production
- Attendance and Punctuality
- Behavior
*Any player who misses the last 2 rehearsals before a concert will forfeit his or her chair, being moved to a director-determined position at the back of a section.
Dress Code:
Concerts:
Boys
*Black dress pants (no jeans)
*Black long-sleeved button down dress shirt
*Black dress socks
*Black dress shoes (no athletic shoes
*Optional tie /bowtie
Girls
*Black floor-length skirt (cellists where dress pants)
*Completely black dress shirt or blouse (must cover
shoulder completely
*Black opaque stockings or socks
*Black dress shoes (no high heels)
*Students may be asked to wear seasonal items for concerts.
General Rules of Behavior:
- Be early in order to be on time.
- Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
- Listen to instructions the first time they are given.
- Do not use vulgar or offensive language.
- Have all materials ready to use when rehearsal begins.
- Raise your hand to talk or walk.
- No food or drink allowed during rehearsal except for bottled water.
PRIVATE LESSONS
At any skill level, rudimentary to advanced, private lessons are the most efficient and effective way to maximize a student’s learning potential. For this reason, private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students. If you desire lessons and need a recommendation, please contact Ms. Hagadorn-Brien for suggestions.
Semester Fee: $65 per student (non-refundable)
Payments can be cash, check, and/or via PayPal (search @SirenStringsTX)
*Please speak to Mrs. Hagadorn-Brien if arrangements for a payment plan are needed.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ashley Hagadorn-Brien
Youth String Orchestra Conductor
[email protected]
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