New Students

Welcome to Strings at Davis Middle School!

You are about to begin a fantastic musical experience! To get started, here is some basic information. Please feel free to explore the website to get an idea of what our orchestra program is all about.

If you missed the 5th grade presentation on May 18, please view the presentation slides here.

Please register your child for 5th grade strings using the link below:
DAVIS ORCHESTRA ONLINE REGISTRATION
(for incoming 5th graders only)

All students will need to be measured for the correct- sized instrument, This can be done at the Loft violin shop: www.theloftviolinshop.com
or with a visit to Mrs. Laux at Davis Middle. You are welcome to visit Davis at any time, just contact Mrs. Laux via the contact page.

Incoming 5th grade strings program students will need:
• rented instrument (cellos and basses use school instruments while at school)
• Essential Elements 2000, Book 1 for appropriate instrument.

In addition, all 5th grade students will wear white dress shirts and long black bottoms. Please get these on your own.

Incoming 6th grade students will need:
• rented instrument (cellos and basses use school instruments while at school),
• Essential Elements 2000, Book 1 for appropriate instrument.

Students will need to purchase the orchestra concert uniform: girls’ dresses are $50, gentlemen ensembles are $35. More information to come in the Fall.

FAQ’s:

1. How much does it cost to participate in orchestra?
The only cost factors are instrument and uniform. First, I recommend that instruments are rented from a reputable dealer. This way, you are getting the best quality instrument for your money. A list can be found on the links page. I have seen countless numbers of instruments purchased from the internet or from pawn shops that are basically junk. Students cannot learn on an instrument that is unacceptable. Please remember, because it “looks pretty” does not mean it plays pretty. If you have any questions, please contact me. Most importantly, kids grow! The majority of my 8th graders leave with a full-size instrument. I would say about 10% start on a full size instrument in 5th or 6th grade. Rental programs allow you to trade the instrument up as your child grows. Plus, repairs are cheaper or even free when renting from a local shop.

Uniform: 5th grade students are required to wear white tops and black bottoms. The white tops must be at least short-sleeved, black bottoms are pants or skirts that come past the knee. Dress shoes are highly recommended as well. Boys need to wear black dress socks and ladies have the option or wearing stockings or tights.

Uniform, grades 6-8: Once a student reaches 6th grade orchestra they are expected to purchase a concert uniform. It is a one-time purchase. Ladies wear a black concert gown and gentlemen wear tux pants, tux shirt, bow tie, and cummerbund. They are ordered through a school supply company and there are no exceptions. If finances are an issue, the school may be able to assist in the purchase of the uniform.

All students are also expected to have Essential Elements Book one for their appropriate instrument. This cost approximately $7.00 and can be obtained at any local music store. See the links page for suggestions.

2. How often does my child receive string instruction?
Students are at orchestra every other day. This is a set rotation for the entire year. One week your child will come Monday, Wednesday, Friday and the the next week it will be Tuesday, Thursday. This is the same until 8th grade when orchestra meets everyday. Please note, weather delays and school cancellation do not change the schedule. It is the same and does not change.

3. Does my child need to take lessons outside of school? What if my child has no previous music experience?
No prior music experience is needed not expected. I teach each and every student from the very beginning, even if they have some prior knowledge.

Music lessons are not expected but of course are a great benefit to learning. It is your choice to make. I highly recommend waiting until at least mid-year to consider private lessons. Students would only learn the same material as they would in class, perhaps at a faster rate.

4. How do we decide which instrument to play?
The choice of instrument is mostly up to you and your child. However, a balanced ensemble is most important. If problems arise, I typically ask for volunteers to change instruments to perhaps the second choice. There is usually on reason a student could not physically play each of the orchestral instruments. Size is a misconception.

Violin and Viola students are required to bring their instruments to class every day. Cello and bass students use the school instruments at no cost. They are expected to rent an instrument for home practice and concerts.

5. Are there many boys in the orchestra classes?
Depending on the year, the amount of boys typically average about a third of the class. Some have more, some less. It is all based on the appeal of the instruments to the student. Many young men play cello or bass because the note reading is very easily switched over to electric bass music.

6. How does the transportation work for the 5th grade string program?
5th graders will take the middle school bus in the morning. A couple of weeks prior to the start of the program, students are told which bus they are to take from their neighborhood. A bus is provided to take all of the string students to their respective elementary schools after class. The students travel together on one bus, including Olde Sawmill students as well.

7. Will there be any concerts?
All orchestra students perform in three concerts. The first is in the Fall, typically in October. The second is a winter/holiday concert right before winter break in December. The final concert is in May. Additional performances are possible throughout the year as well. Check the master calendar on the website for your concert dates, times, and locations.