Welcome to a new school year! We would personally like to invite all fourth graders of Dodge Intermediate School to join our string orchestra program. The instruments involved in this program include the violin, viola, cello, and string bass. In order to participate in the orchestra program, students will need an instrument, music book (Essential Elements 2000 for Strings Book 1), and a music stand for home practice. Violin and viola students will need a shoulder rest. All of these items may be obtained at a local music store.

The orchestra class will meet two times a week for 45 minutes. The first class will meet on Thursday, August 27. If your child would like to join our orchestra, please fill out the attached registration form and return it to the office as soon as possible. Please feel free to write down any questions or concerns you may have. Students will need to have their instruments and materials by Monday, September 8. Please avoid purchasing or renting the following instrument brands: Mendini, Mussino, Cecilio, Lark, Skylark, Cremona, Carlo Robelli. These instruments, which are of lesser quality, found on the internet and do not work well for students. If it sounds too good to be true, it generally is. We do not recommend purchasing instruments from the internet. We recommend instruments such as Knilling, Eastman, Scherl and Roth, Kohr, Samuel Shen.

We are personally very excited about this beginning class and looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. If you and your child have a conflict and will not be attending the meeting, please call us at Dodge (330-486-2193) or send an email ([email protected], [email protected]) so that other arrangements can be made. See you at the meeting!

 Students will be using their Essential Ellements 2000 Book 1 and 2.  Students should be turning in their practice logs/self evaluation each week.  They should practice 100 minutes weekly to receive an A.  Please make sure that the handbook page is filled out, signed and returned to school.

 

 

Students should be bringing instruments to school (violins and violas).  They will be using their Essential Ellements 2000 Book 2.  Students should be turning in their practice logs/self evaluation each week. They should practice 100 minutes weekly to receive an A.  Students should practice their D, G, C scales 2 bows per note and various rhythm patterns.  Please make sure that the handbook page is filled out, signed and returned to school.