MAMARONECK SCHOOL DISTRICT MUSIC DEPARTMENT
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Students’ Name Class
June 2016
Dear Chatsworth Avenue 2nd Grade Parent;
The Mamaroneck Music Department begins the string program in the 3rd grade. This week, your child has been introduced to the three string instruments offered to 3rd graders in the Mamaroneck School District: violin, viola and cello.
The 3rd Grade String Program is the first year of instruction in a total String Program. It is designed for students who want to play in the Orchestra. It is the Music Department’s expectation that a child choosing to be in this program will continue to play this instrument through the 5th grade, at least, if not through the Hommocks and High School. (The Band Program begins in 4th grade. If your child is unsure as to whether she/he would rather be in the Band or Orchestra, families are encouraged to discuss that issue at this time. Please contact Ms. Rosen if you have any questions.)
Any child currently studying a string instrument will be accommodated on that particular instrument.
Most students get to play their first-choice instrument. Occasionally, we may have to place a student on their second choice of instrument.
Playing an instrument in the Mamaroneck School District is voluntary.
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First Choice Second Choice
______Your child is not interested in learning to play a string instrument next year.
After a demonstration and explanation of the characteristics of each string instrument, I have discussed the choices with each child. These are some of the criteria we talked about:
1. Does the child prefer high or low sounds?
High sounds are produced on the violins
Low sounds are produced on cellos
Middle sounds are produced on the viola
2. Does the family own a specific instrument (that is in EXCELLENT playing condition)? Following in a sibling or parents’ musical footsteps is a very motivating concept, but make sure this is the correct instrument for this child.
3. Does the child play piano or another instrument already? In what clef of music does the other instrument read?
Violin read the same as the right hand of the piano.
Cello and String Bass read the same clef as the left hand of the piano.
Viola reads in a different clef than either hand of the piano!
Please DO NOT rent instruments now. In September, I will meet with the students during the first week of school to verify the instrument and size and hand out a list of necessary materials for participation in the String Program.
DESCRIPTION OF THE STRING PROGRAM
During the school day, students are excused from their regular class twice/6-day rotation during the “DIP Hour” to have one half-hour small group lesson and one half-hour large sectional. In approximately mid-March, children will be expected to attend one or two 8 AM large rehearsals in addition to the lesson groups. Students will participate in a Beginner Debut Concert in January/February and the Spring Concert in May.
STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PRACTICE AT HOME. Parents and students are encouraged to consider regular practice similar to school homework.
Parents will have to rent the musical instruments and purchase books and materials which each instrument needs. Cost to rent instruments for a school year ranges from $100.00 - $200.00 depending on the individual instrument and rental company. There are some District instruments available for children who otherwise could not participate in the program. Music teachers will provide recommendations for renting instruments during the first week of school in the Fall. Students will be measured for their appropriate instrument size at that time.
Playing a musical instrument is a valuable part of a student’s education and personal growth. I encourage all parents and students to seriously consider taking part in the string program, designed to teach many skills:
* Musical and Intellectual Skills
playing and reading rhythms
playing and reading notes - pitches and tones
playing musically in a group with others
thinking in a timed sequence
* Physical Skills
using all fingers
sitting and moving properly
coordinating hands and eyes
* Social Skills
playing in public
being responsible for instrument and music
supporting a group effort
* Cognitive/Behavioral skills
organizing a practice routine
learning to work in a consistent manner
Sincerely,
Amy Rosen, Orchestra Teacher