It is a pleasure to have your child in the School Town of Highland Elementary Orchestra Program.
This school district offers string instruction from the 6th grade through the 12th grade.
The program is a continuous one, and I hope to see every student performing in the high school orchestra some day.
The commitment you have made is a lifetime investment for your child.
All beginning classes are now underway, and I’m sure your child has already performed for you.
I will also soon be providing students with the class schedule for the upcoming school year.
Proper care of the instrument is encouraged. Students have been shown
how to handle the instrument so as not to harm it. I suggest that no one else handle the instrument unless
they have your permission and your child’s instructions.
During the first several weeks of class, the primary emphasis will be on developing good playing position
as well as correct posture. Failure to master these concepts can hamper a student’s ability and progress
for years to come. Thus, these first few weeks are the most critical. This cannot be
overemphasized! Practice is needed to develop the coordination and strength necessary to play a stringed
instrument. A practice “marathon” cannot accomplish the same results as consistent daily practice.
The students have practice records and are to record their minutes each day (20 minutes a day, 140 minutes a week).
Your encouragement is a very important ingredient for your child’s success right now.
Progress reports will be sent regularly so that you may follow your
child’s progress. In fact, the students have already had their first two playing tests and your child
can share the results with you. Please encourage him/her to demonstrate for you and other supportive family
members what he/she has learned and be generous in your praise and encouragement. Help him/her to remember
equipment and materials for class. A child takes pride not only in learning to play, but in learning to
play well.
As questions or problems arise,
please feel free to contact me. I hope your child’s experience with the orchestra is a successful
one.
Sincerely,
