September 10, 2021
Dear Families of Students in Grades 3-5,
Welcome to the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. We are excited to begin our strings classes on Monday, September 20, for grades 3-5. Please note in this registration form if your children have any previous experience so that we are able to place them in the appropriate classes. We are able to start students in grades 3-5 with no previous experience this year, and there is no charge for this after-school program.
The Columbus Academy Lower School String Orchestra is a program offered after school Monday through Friday. Strings classes are offered at several different levels depending on your children’s skill levels and the levels completed in previous years. The string program may be right for your children if:
- Your children wish to pursue or continue their string education at Columbus Academy on violin, viola, cello or bass.
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- You and your children are able to arrange for an extension to the school day.
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- You and your children understand the time commitment, parental support and encouragement, and the practice time needed to become a successful player.
Please enroll immediately to secure a place for your children in the classes.
Brief Outline of the Program
Classes are offered at the following times:
Fifth Grade Orchestra
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Level 1 Orchestra (Grade 3 and Beginners)
Tuesdays and Fridays from 3:25-3:55 p.m.
Level 2 Orchestra (Grade 4)
Tuesdays and Fridays from 4:00-4:30 p.m.
CONCERTS WILL BE PERFORMED ON AND POTENTIALLY OFF CAMPUS. A SCHEDULE WILL BE SENT HOME ONCE CLASSES BEGIN.
Books will be given out at the beginning of the classes. Parents are responsible for renting an instrument. I can highly recommend The Loft Violin Shop located at 4604 N. High Street in Columbus.
The Loft has been serving the Central Ohio area for many years now, and the staff members are experts in the field of instrument repair, fitting and knowledge of quality instruments. I do suggest, however, that you rent your instrument as soon as possible, as the Loft also serves many area school systems. You may want to have The Loft check the instrument size, as you may need a larger instrument if your children have grown over the summer! Please, do not purchase an instrument sight unseen from the internet. They are often poor quality and need additional work to be playable.
For Violinists, Violists, Cellists and Bassists
Our method book series is “Essential Elements.” We will also work with outside materials and beginning orchestra music by a variety of composers. The school provides lessons to your children as part of your tuition package to Columbus Academy. There is no charge for lessons.
- Any child is eligible for beginning lessons. We also begin fourth-graders on bass. Continuation in the program depends on active participation in class and faithfulness to daily practice.
- The ideology of traditional teaching methods, as well as Suzuki training, is incorporated into the curriculum. Not only will your children be receiving instrumental instruction, but they will also learn skills that can be transferred to many classroom studies. We ask that students who sign up continue through the school year.
Registrations for classes are now being accepted. Please return this form to the Lower School Office or email to David Wong by September 15. Make sure that you have arranged for a rental instrument before classes start.
Thank you,
Orchestra Director
