Fourth grade band/orchestra sign-ups open until Friday

NEWS

Fourth grade band/orchestra sign-ups open until Friday

May 30, 2023

The band and orchestra program at Park Avenue and Sanfordville Elementary Schools is one of the many exciting learning opportunities available to your fourth grade student next year! We are excited to invite your child to dive into our nationally-recognized department in fourth grade, where they will build a foundation upon which to build throughout middle, school, high school, and beyond. Students in band and orchestra receive weekly small group lessons on their instrument and participate in a full ensemble rehearsals.

Parents of soon-to-be fourth graders are strongly encouraged to strongly take advantage of this wonderful program, and open the world of exciting and rewarding discovery that is studying a musical instrument!

Visit the Fourth Grade Band & Orchestra Page for information and online sign-up.   

Learning About Band Instruments with Mr. Muehlbauer

 

Learning About Orchestra Instruments with Ms. Blaikner  

 

Frequently Asked Question

Q:  What instruments are available for study?

Orchestra: Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass

Band: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Percussion 

Q:  How do I sign up my child to play an instrument?
Please visit the Band & Orchestra Sign-Up Website, for a Google sign-up form due by June 2, 2023. Complete the form and click submit at the bottom.

Q:  How do I know which instrument is right for my child?
All students interested in joining band and orchestra, please visit this webpage. Parents & students should listen carefully to the videos by Mr. Muehlbauer & Mrs. Blaikner to determine three instruments they are attracted to. All students will pick their top three instrument choices and will be assigned to one of those three choices.  Just as a baseball team can’t have too many infielders, a band/orchestra also has specific balances. Mr. Muehlbauer & Mrs. Blaikner will consult with your child’s 3rd grade music teacher as well as considering the needs of the band/orchestra to make sure your child is assigned to an instrument that appeals to them and is a great musical fit. 

Q:  What if I want to switch instruments after being assigned?
A great deal of thought and care goes into creating the perfect band and orchestra and a good fit for your child. We ask that you carefully consider your top three choices and understand that you will be assigned to one of them. At the end of the school year, students who wish to transfer instruments can talk to Mr. Muehlbauer & Mrs. Blaikner about that process. 

Q:  My child knows nothing about music or playing an instrument.  Can they still join band or orchestra?
ABSOLUTELY! Most of the students start out having no knowledge of their instrument at all. We start from square one with reviewing note names, rhythms, and other basic music theory. From there we start on the instruments with “how to open your case”. Before too long, they will begin playing their first notes, and eventually prepare songs for a concert. Every child will progress at their own speed and we always do our best to accommodate the needs of all of our students.

Q:  Where do I get an instrument for my child?
There are two main ways to obtain an instrument; renting or purchasing. We can help navigate this process for you!  

Once your child has been assigned to their instrument, you will receive names of companies where you can rent an instrument.  Simply go to the website of the company and browse their information and rental details to select which company is best for you.  Two local companies, NEMC and Music & Arts, will come to Park & Sanfordville to deliver and take instruments, which is an added bonus!

Your child’s music teacher can help advise you with instrument purchases if you decide to go that route. Note that instrument quality will directly impact your child’s success in band or orchestra. Feel free to reach out to Mr. Muehlbauer (band) or Mrs. Blaikner (orchestra) before considering a “bargain basement” type instrument on Amazon or Ebay.

Q:  Will my student have to spend a lot of time outside of school practicing?
We ask that students try to practice 3-4 times a week for 10-15 minutes. As students progress and get older, they will gain the endurance to practice for longer periods of time. 

Q:  Will I get to see my child perform?
Yes! We will present two evening concerts during the 4th grade school year. 

Q:  What size violin, viola, cello, or string bass is proper for my child?
String instruments come in fractional sizes to fit your child almost perfectly.  Once your child’s instrument choice has been assigned, your teacher will give you important information and directions on how to be sized properly.

Q:  How can I get in touch with a music teacher to answer questions?
We care deeply about the band and orchestra program and want to make sure that your child is happy and successful! Please feel free to reach out to us any time.

Orchestra: Keely Blaikner – kblaikner@wvcsd.org

Band: Ryan Muehlbauer – rmuehlbauer@wvcsd.org

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