Elementary Strings Program Guide

Students may start a stringed instrument in the third grade. Instruction continues into middle school and at the Westford Academy. At the elementary schools, Strings classes meet once a week for 45 minutes. All fifth graders participate in a 50-minute Orchestra rehearsal in addition, held in the morning before the official start of school. Students perform at various times during the year. When students continue study at middle school, the level of music becomes more challenging, allowing for further study of string technique. At Westford Academy String Class meets daily where students perform chamber music and major symphonic works.
 

All information regarding the Strings program in grades 3-12 is available here. Concert dates, resources, registration, documents and school Strings websites are linked from there.
 

The first step towards successful instrumental music is to rent or purchase an appropriate instrument. Many local music dealers offer options for rental and/or purchase. It is very important that the instrument your child uses is the right size for him or her so that he or she will be able to play with proper technique. For this reason, the Strings faculty recommends renting an instrument until your child has grown enough to fit a full-sized instrument; rental exchanges for larger instruments for a growing child are free through all the local dealers.

        
Your rental agreement is transacted directly with the company of your choice. Most music dealers offer maintenance/repair insurance for a nominal monthly fee. Many parents find this to be money well spent in anticipation of future loss or repair needs. Remember that ìyou get what you pay forî is usually true. Strive for quality when choosing a rental company and instrument. An instrument in good playing condition and properly adjusted will be easier to play, resulting in greater success for your child. Consult with your teacher or a professional before renting or purchasing an instrument.
 

All elementary grades use the Essential Elements series as the foundation of our studies; Book 1 is used from the beginning of third grade through the middle of fourth grade; Book 2 is begun in the middle of fourth grade or beginning of fifth. An additional method book may be used in fifth grade.
 

Members of the Fifth Grade Orchestras will also get copies of the ensemble music from the teacher. These copies are legal ìreplacement copiesî and must be returned or destroyed following the final concert. Due to copyright laws, Strings teachers are not able to provide extra copies to students. Please take care of all your music!
 

Below are several general rules stressed in class. These are rules that your child should follow at home.

All fifth grade Strings students participate, as well as some third and fourth grade students who take private music lessons and have demonstrated an advanced level of musicianship. Rehearsals take place at 7:15 in the morning. An emergency phone tree is distributed at the beginning of the year in case of emergency cancellations. Participation in Orchestra performances is contingent on regular attendance.
 

As teachers, we are committed to providing the best possible instruction for your child. We are also committed to helping your child become a productive member of a team, develop as a musician and as a person, enjoy enriching and rewarding experiences, and to complete our entire program in preparation for high school and beyond. These goals can be met only with both parental and student commitment. This means diligent, conscientious practice, and faithful attendance at lessons, rehearsals and performances.  

        
Frequent repetition is necessary for the reinforcement of muscle memory. For this reason, the district-wide goal is for every student to practice five days a week. The length of practice sessions varies by grade: third graders should aim to practice 10 or 15 minutes daily, fourth graders for 15 minutes and fifth graders for 20 minutes.  
 

Extra help may be given to students when the Strings teachers' schedules allow. To receive extra help, students must demonstrate adequate practice habits and class attendance. If a child is not able to maintain adequate practice habits and/or class attendance, he or she may receive extra help from a Mentor or private teacher.  
 

You do not need any special musical training to help your child progress on a musical instrument. Common sense, interest and encouragement go a long way.
 

Music is music when it is heard, created, experienced or performed. Students have the opportunity for many informal performances and two formal concerts are scheduled during the school year. Concert dates are can be found on your schoolís Strings page, accessed through westfordk12.us/strings. The first concert is usually in December or January with a final concert in the spring. By performing, students are given a chance to show the achievements of their practicing and studying. Students find the performance opportunities to be an extremely exciting and enriching part of the instrumental music program.

        
Strings Progress Reports are sent home three times a year and generally coincide with school report cards. They are an excellent opportunity for the teacher and parents to communicate about a studentís progress and we encourage feedback and questions. Please review all of your child's scores and comments with him or her.