Hi Ginny -
Here is the communication about the strings class. Could you forward this to all of the 2nd grade families whenever it is convenient?
Thanks,
Dawn xo
Lower School String Class: Questions and Answers
Recently, your rising 3rd or 4th grader brought home information about the opportunity to play a strings instrument and be instructed by Tara Harris during the Pace Academy school day.
Here are some questions and Tara's helpful answers about joining Strings ....
- If my child chooses to play a stringed instrument will he/she also be able to join Minstrels? Assuming the schedule remains as it is this year, strings does NOT interfere with minstrels. Most of my students this year participated in both.
- The sign-up form mentions that in 5th grade "Strings is a year long commitment". Does that mean that instruction is not all year in 3rd and 4th? Or - does this mean that 3rd and 4th graders are welcome to drop out of the group during the school year? 3rd and 4th grade do indeed continue through the entire year however this year for 3rd and 4th we are giving students until October 1st to try it out and make their final decision. Of course I encourage ALL students to give it a shot for at least the full year in order to get the full benefit, exposure and experience (i.e.; performances and field trip!)
- Do we let the children decide now what they want to play and then find the instrument over the summer? Students may decide which instrument they prefer but they will all be measured in class on the first day to be sure they get the correct size. Students may choose between the violin, viola, cello or bass. (Guitar and harp are not an option for this class although it is a bonus if students do already play one of these instruments since they tend to grasp the concept of a new instrument quicker.)
- Where is the best place to find string instruments for growing children? I work with a rental company that supplies and services the student rental instruments. They are easy to work with, very convenient and the instruments are great quality! Parents will do nothing except fill out the rental agreement/application and the instruments will be delivered to Pace. As the children grow - the rental company will exchange a larger instrument for a smaller model.
- How many days will the students have Strings Class in the 8 day cycle? 3rd and 4th grade students will have strings 3 days out of the cycle. 5th grade will meet 4 times per cycle.
- What is the recommended instrument practice time after school? I recommend 15-30 minutes of practice time daily however I am well aware of the time constraints and the varying schedules throughout the year. Therefore, I don't necessarily "enforce" it so much as try to keep the students motivated and interested enough to want to practice on their own. Obviously - the students who do practice tend to get the full benefit of learning their instrument and preparing for the final concert in the spring. Many aspects or songs may come easy to some students so they may not need to practice the same amount for each one addressed in class. I am flexible and willing to help in any way to insure that students make the most of their experience in strings for the year!
If your child did not bring home this form (or if you would like to receive an additional copy) please contact your homeroom teacher.
Students interested in playing a string instrument next year will need to submit a completed form to Anna Valerius before July 1.
If your child would prefer to play a band instrument - the band instruments will begin in 4th grade.
Many thanks to Dawn DiMeglio for getting these very helpful answers. Hope this helps.
Lower School String Class: Questions and Answers
Recently, your rising 3rd or 4th grader brought home information about the opportunity to play a strings instrument and be instructed by Tara Harris during the Pace Academy school day.
Here are some questions and Tara's helpful answers about joining Strings ....
If my child chooses to play a stringed instrument will he/she also be able to join Minstrels? Assuming the schedule remains as it is this year, strings does NOT interfere with minstrels. Most of my students this year participated in both.
The sign-up form mentions that in 5th grade "Strings is a year long commitment". Does that mean that instruction is not all year in 3rd and 4th? Or - does this mean that 3rd and 4th graders are welcome to drop out of the group during the school year? 3rd and 4th grade do indeed continue through the entire year however this year for 3rd and 4th we are giving students until October 1st to try it out and make their final decision. Of course I encourage ALL students to give it a shot for at least the full year in order to get the full benefit, exposure and experience (i.e.; performances and field trip!)
Do we let the children decide now what they want to play and then find the instrument over the summer? Students may decide which instrument they prefer but they will all be measured in class on the first day to be sure they get the correct size. Students may choose between the violin, viola, cello or bass. (Guitar and harp are not an option for this class although it is a bonus if students do already play one of these instruments since they tend to grasp the concept of a new instrument quicker.)
Where is the best place to find string instruments for growing children? I work with a rental company that supplies and services the student rental instruments. They are easy to work with, very convenient and the instruments are great quality! Parents will do nothing except fill out the rental agreement/application and the instruments will be delivered to Pace. As the children grow - the rental company will exchange a larger instrument for a smaller model.
How many days will the students have Strings Class in the 8 day cycle? 3rd and 4th grade students will have strings 3 days out of the cycle. 5th grade will meet 4 times per cycle.
What is the recommended instrument practice time after school? I recommend 15-30 minutes of practice time daily however I am well aware of the time constraints and the varying schedules throughout the year. Therefore, I don't necessarily "enforce" it so much as try to keep the students motivated and interested enough to want to practice on their own. Obviously - the students who do practice tend to get the full benefit of learning their instrument and preparing for the final concert in the spring. Many aspects or songs may come easy to some students so they may not need to practice the same amount for each one addressed in class. I am flexible and willing to help in any way to insure that students make the most of their experience in strings for the year!
If your child did not bring home this form (or if you would like to receive an additional copy) please contact your homeroom teacher.
Students interested in playing a string instrument next year will need to submit a completed form to Anna Valerius before July 1.
If your child would prefer to play a band instrument - the band instruments will begin in 4th grade.
