Please check out our Links page for links to interesting stuff about music!  http://teacherweb.com/VA/JamesRiverHighSchool/Orchestra/links1.stm

As always, ask for permission to "surf the net!!"

Musically yours, Ms. Almore!!!

Here are FAQs (frequently asked questions):

1) Where can I get an instrument?

Click on our "Supplies&Music Shops" page:

http://teacherweb.com/VA/JamesRiverHighSchool/Orchestra/h2.stm

Scroll down, and you will see a list of good music stores!  We recommend Jan Hampton Violins on Forest Hill Avenue!

2) Does it cost a lot to be in Orchestra?

You will need to rent or buy an instrument.  You will also need nice clothes
for concerts, and some special, fun events do cost money.  It is no more
expensive than band or chorus (in fact, it's less!)  If you cannot afford an
instrument, we will loan you one, so don't worry about money!!!

3)  Can I choose which stringed instrument I can play? 

Your middle school music teacher will help you make a good choice.  Usually
you can pick your choice of instruments.  Some things will guide your
choice:

Violin: If you like higher sounds, if you are a “born leader,” if you love competition, this instrument is for you.  Some people call the the violin the world's greatest instrument!!  But an orchestra of all violin players would sound silly, so we have a range of instruments!

Click here to meet an awesome violin player: http://www.joshuabell.com

Here's another good article about Josh: http://www.stringsmagazine.com/issues/Strings105/coverstory.html

Viola: The world does not have enough viola players, so we really recommend
that you consider learning this wonderful instrument!!  The viola is a beautiful instrument with rich mellow tones, closer to the human voice than the violin.

Click here to meet a great viola player: http://www.ngwenyama.com

Cello: This instrument is quite large.  You play this between the knees.  It has a gorgeous sound.  Click here to meet the world’s most famous cello player:

http://www.yo-yoma.com

Bass: The bass is very important.  We always need more bass players and do not currently have enough bass players in our orchestra!! 

The bass is quite large and heavy—if you take the bass, you do not have to bring it back and forth to school every day, but you will need to bring it to special events and concerts.  You [or a friend] will need to have a really big car or van to play the bass!! (smile, smile).

Click here to meet the greatest bass player of all time: http://www.edgarmeyer.com

4) Is high school music a lot harder than the music in middle school?

It's more challenging, but you will want more and more challenging music as
you grow and mature as a musician!! In high school you get to play jazz,
Beethoven, pop music, Bach, all kinds of stuff!  As much as possible, we try
to play the original music the way the composer really wrote it! 

5) How do I get into the Richmond Youth Symphony?

There are 4 different orchestras that make up the Youth Symphony.  You do not have to audition to be in the one called Sinfonietta!!  However, if you have been
playing for a couple of a few years, you might want to try for one of
the orchestras for older kids.