5th Grade Strings

WANTED:

BRIGHT TALENTED YOUNG MUSIC- LOVERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO LEARN TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT!!!

Dear Parent:

The elementary orchestra program is an enrichment Fine Arts program offered by North East, and is one, which is being taken advantage of by more and more students. Strings is quickly becoming the cool thing to do! Children who play an instrument learn self- discipline and learn cooperation with others. Playing a string instrument puts students into a worthwhile activity and gives them something fun and interesting to do while at the same time teaching them the enjoyment of music as a lifelong appreciation.

We know you will have some questions about the orchestra program, and we have answered a few on the back of this letter. Please read this information and take a moment to fill out and return the attached information form to your child’s music teacher at school. Returning this form by September 21st will insure your child a place in the program. On Wednesday, September 20 and Thursday, September 21 we will have a meeting in the Orchestra Room at Barbara Bush Middle School from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Please use the main entrance, located toward the back of Bush Middle School. You may come on either day that fits best with your schedule! I will be showing the students the individual instruments, as well as sizing them for the correct instrument and answering any questions you may have. You are not required to stay the entire time, as it should only take 5 minutes and it will be on a “first come, first served” basis.  I will gladly answer questions concerning the strings program at the meeting! Orchestra class is held at Stone Oak Elementary from 3:00 to 3:45pm. Your student will ride a school bus to Stone Oak, and you will pick them up there. The classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, beginning on September 25. Violins will have class on Monday, and viola/cello/bass will have class on Wednesday.  I would like the students to have their instrument by that time. It is so important for everyone to arrange their transportation home after string class before that day. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at mphill@neisd.net.

Cordially,
Mallory Phillips
Orchestra Director
Barbara Bush Middle School

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

**Fifth Grade Strings Announcement!**

**Canyon Ridge, Las Lomas, Stone Oak Elementary Schools**

 Dear Strings Parents,

I am very excited that your child has chosen to learn a string instrument! It is a fun and rewarding experience, and playing an instrument will create a deep appreciation for music and the arts that your child will have for the rest of their life.

Because of the number of students signed up for Fifth Grade Strings this year, the amount of space available dictates that we must split up the class into a violin class on Mondays and a viola/cello/bass class on Wednesdays. This schedule will begin on Monday, September 25. If your child plays the violin, he or she will ride the bus to Stone Oak on Monday and NOT on Wednesday. If your child plays the viola, cello, or bass, he or she will ride the bus to Stone Oak on Wednesday and NOT on Monday.

I apologize for this more complicated schedule, but your child will participate in a higher quality, more individualized rehearsal with a smaller amount of students in the class. Mr. Sharplin and I can give each student more personal attention and we believe it will create a better fifth grade strings experience. Below is the schedule for the fall semester. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Mallory Phillips

Orchestra Director

Barbara Bush Middle School