Mrs. Ciastko, Music Education

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(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.

________________________________________________________________________

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.
____________________________________________________________________________

ORCHESTRAL ENSEMBLE PERMISSION SLIP
__________________________________________________________________________

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.

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Mrs. Ciastko, Music Education

Orchestral Ensemble 2009-10 Season