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5th Grade Orchestras

Welcome to 5th Grade Orchestra!

 

I'm so glad you're here! My name is Mrs. Pearson and I teach at Bush Middle School, East Olympia Elementary, Littlerock Elementary, and Peter G. Schmidt Elementary.  5th Grade Orchestra meets Monday through Thursday.  On this webpage, you will find specific tabs for your child's school that will give information about meeting times, locations, and concert schedules.  schedules will be updated as dates are confirmed.  If you have any questions, please email me at lisa.pearson@tumwater.k12.wa.us.  Here is some general information for orchestra families. 

 

Class Materials

  • Instrument 
  • String Basics Book 1 (this can be found at any local music shop, at Ted Brown Music, or on Amazon.)
  • Shoulder Rest for Violins/ Violas (my preferred brand is the Everest)
  • End Pin Stop for Cellos
  • Rosin
  • Dust Cloth 

Your child will not need a music stand for class, but it's a good idea to have one at home for practice.

Instrument Rental

Stringed instruments come in many different sizes.  I highly recommend renting until your child is big enough for a full size instrument.  Many music shops offer rental credit toward the purchase of a new instrument.  Here are some local music shops for your rental needs.

Ted Brown Music

RL Ray Violin Shop

Music and Arts

Music 6000

Please avoid buying an instrument from a retailer that is not a music shop (Amazon, Ebay, etc.).  Though they seem like a good deal, they are often poorly made, difficult to play,  and can fall apart easily.  

Practice

In the beginning, practice for shorter periods, more often.  Rest or stop when you begin to get tired, then come back later for a fresh start.  Aim to practice 15 minutes a day.  Here are a few more practice tips.

  • Review previous lessons, cleaning up trouble spots
  • Practice the new lesson slowly, focusing on accuracy
  • Don't practice mistakes, be sure it's right!
  • Count, clap, play
  • Don't skip over the hard parts!
  • Then play for fun-play anything you'd like, but play it well!

Pro tip:  The first time you learn or play something will always be the worst time. Even for me, and I've been playing for a long time! But don't give up.  The more you play, the better you will sound! And if you need help, please let me know during class or feel free to email me.  I'm happy to help!

Please don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions.  Since I travel to various schools throughout the day, email is the best way to reach me.  Thank you for supporting your orchestra student!