Dear Fourth Graders and Parents,
This is the time of year for you to consider enrolling in orchestra or band for
the 2017-2018 school year. Typically, all students participate in band and orchestra
in 5th grade. There are many factors to discuss and evaluate before signing up. We
hope this letter will answer some questions and provide some valuable information.
Today, we spent a few minutes with your child. During their time at the
middle school, they were able to listen to a 30-minute demonstration put on by
some of our 8th grade band and orchestra members. We hope they will begin to
think about which instrument they would like to play next year at school. Looking
up recordings on-line has also been a useful tool for students in the past. We realize
that many students have already been excited about this choice and have put some
thought into their choice.
Attached is a form that will ask your child to rank (in order 1st-3rd choice)
what instrument they would like to play. This sheet is important to the process as
we want parent input before we meet one-on-one with your child. Please fill it out
and return it no later than Friday, May 12.
You may notice that saxophone and percussion are not listed on the choice
sheet. We are encouraging students to start on clarinet if they are interested in
saxophone and then they would make the switch in 6th grade. Also, students who
wish to play percussion will start out on another instrument and try out for
percussion in 6th grade.
There are many factors for us to consider in the selection process and our
goal is to have all students fitted and have their instrument choice decided by the
first week of June. We will communicate with you throughout the process. If
questions arise, please feel free to contact one of the Directors. We hope this fitting
process goes smoothly and we are here to help you and your child in determining
what is best for him/her!
Important Dates
Tuesday, April 25-Concert to 4th grader during school day
Friday, May 12-Instrument Choice Sheet must be filled out and turned in to
homeroom teacher
Wednesday, May 24- we will spend the day at the elementary school and have kids
try their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice instrument. Meyer Music will be there to assist in the
process.
Friday, June 2-Final letter sent home
Thanks for your support and we look forward to meeting with your child!
Cyndi Betts, orchestra ([email protected])
John Blakemore, band ([email protected])
Katherine Hollemans, ([email protected])