(Grades 3-8)
If you have always wanted to learn how to play an instrument, now is your
chance! The Forest Ridge Academy Orchestral Ensemble is gearing up for the
new 2009-10 season. Students in Grades 3-8 are eligible to participate in
the group, which will practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:55 - 8:25
a.m. in the Music Room. Practices will begin on Tuesday, October 13.
Stringed instruments will meet on Tuesdays only and Woodwinds, Brass, and
Percussion instruments will meet on Thursdays only until after holiday
break. After the December break, all members will meet on both Tuesdays
and Thursdays.
There will be a yearly fee of $250 per member that will include purchasing
music and supplies for our group, the year-end party, and other items
that we will need throughout the year (this fee does not include instrument
rental). Private or Group Music Lessons are recommended for each member to
get the most out of learning the instrument. Students can take small group
lessons during 1 morning per week at FRA for a nominal fee (spaces are
limited) or can work with a private teacher of his/her choice.
Last season, the Orchestral Ensemble worked on recording a CD featuring our
students' achievements.
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The Forest Ridge Academy Orchestral Ensemble is available for students in
Grades 3-8. Instrument choices for the group are: violin, cello, flute,
clarinet, cornet/trumpet, trombone, and percussion.
Rehearsals
At the beginning of the year, the Orchestra will meet by instrument
section. All students are expected to be at their sectional rehearsal each
day that it is scheduled, prepared with instrument and music, and ready to
play. A student’s progress and evaluation will be reflected by
participation and attendance for rehearsals and concerts. Rehearsals will
take place from 7:55-8:25 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please reserve
these days for full orchestra practice. Orchestra sections will begin
meeting on Tuesday, October 13.
Instruments
These are the instruments that Orchestra students should consider: flute,
clarinet, (woodwinds), cornet/trumpet, trombone (brass), violin,
cello (strings), and snare drum, bells (percussion).
Instruments can be rented or purchased through Puzon’s Music (woodwinds,
brass, percussion) or Musikhaus (strings). Students will need a lesson book
and a note speller, available through Puzon’s. I very highly recommend a
music stand for at-home practice, which can be ordered and purchased through
either vendor.
Music lessons
It is a requirement of the FRA Orchestra that all members take private music
lessons or participate in a Group Class offered at FRA. Lessons on woodwind
and brass instruments can be scheduled through Puzon’s Music (708) 474-2963
or Musikhaus Violin (219) 838-6433 can make recommendations for string
teachers. I would like all members to have at least 1 lesson before the
start of Orchestra on October 13. The lessons will assist your child in
reaching his/her full potential on an instrument. Please contact Mrs.
Ciastko if you have difficulties locating a teacher or would like
information on Group Classes at FRA.
Home Practice
To ensure success learning an instrument, at-home practice is required. A
minimum of 20 minutes daily is necessary for beginners. Practice charts are
to be turned in each week. Parents are asked to sign the weekly charts.
These charts are located inside the cover of your child’s music book. These
charts are to help your students keep track of his/her effort and teach
responsibility and accountability.
How you can help
It has been proven time and time again that students are most successful
when their parents take a personal interest in music practice at home. To
help ensure your child’s success:
1. Ask your child to demonstrate each week’s lesson.
2. Help your child with his/her lesson as you would homework.
3. Ask your child to play what has been learned so far.
4. Provide a space and time for daily practice.
5. Provide incentives and rewards for good practice habits and progress.
6. Help maintain an honest and accurate practice report for the teacher.
7. Make sure your child brings an instrument, book, and notespeller to
school on Orchestra days.
8. Help your child understand that the more they practice now, the more fun
and enjoyment they will have later.
Your child may not particularly like to practice once the newness has
worn off, but experience proves that with proper encouragement this cycle is
short-lived and soon they become deeply interested and may practice more
than the agreed time.
Fees
There will be a fee of $250 for joining the ensemble. Checks should be
made payable to Anne Ciastko. There are no refunds or prorated tuition for
missed classes.
PLEASE NOTE: Since we have only 30 minutes on each rehearsal day, it is
important that your child arrives with enough time to be in his/her seat and
ready to play at 7:55 a.m.
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ORCHESTRAL ENSEMBLE PERMISSION SLIP
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FRA ORCHESTRAL ENSEMBLE 2009-10 SEASON
Student’s name _________________________ Instrument _______________________
Address ___________________________ City/State________________ Zip__________
Phone _____________ Cell __________email______________check number ________
Is your child interested in morning small group lessons at FRA or do you
have a private teacher?
_________________________________________________________________
(Morning lesson information is available upon request. Groups are limited
to 5. Wednesdays 7:55-8:25 a.m. Additional fee.)
Parent’s signature _________________________________
Checks should accompany Orchestral Ensemble permission slip and be made
payable to Anne Ciastko. There are no refunds and payments cannot be
prorated for missed classes.