4th Grade Orchestra Lessons Information

 

Dear Parents/Guardians of 4th Grade Students,

The Sycamore School District is pleased to offer orchestra lessons to 4th grade students. Orchestra lessons will meet during the school day. Instruction will be offered on violin, viola, cello, and bass. In order for your child to participate in these classes, it will be necessary for you to rent an instrument. The district works closely with a music company called Quinlan & Fabish, who will be present at the sign-up night. Please do not obtain an instrument until your child has been properly sized at sign-up night. 

The sign-up night will be held on Wednesday, September 4 from 3:30-6:30 PM at Sycamore Middle School. You are free to come within the stated time frame. Students will be able to try all the instruments and will be fitted for the proper size that night. A representative from Quinlan & Fabish will be there to set you up with everything you need! Students will receive their instrument at the conclusion of the Orchestra Orientation on Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 PM at Sycamore Middle School.  

Orchestra instruction will continue to be available to your child through 12th grade. Learning to play an instrument and belonging to the school orchestra program opens up a whole new world of friendship and fun! Your child will be able to take advantage of performances with the orchestras at the middle and high school levels. The opportunities for playing a stringed instrument after high school are abundant, with many universities offering scholarships for orchestra participation. Orchestra provides a great foundation for your child. In addition to music, students learn self-discipline, group cooperation, problem-solving, goal setting, self-expression, memory skills, concentration, poise, enhanced physical coordination, high self-esteem, and the importance of teamwork – skills in great demand for almost every aspect of life. Orchestra has a profound effect on the academic success of students. 

Please see Orchestra Recruitment Fall 2024 to learn even more about the orchestra program, watch videos about the instruments, and see what parents/guardians and students have to say. 

If you wish to enroll your child, please attend the sign-up night. Please contact one of us with any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you!

Amy Tonaki and Ken Tonaki

Orchestra Schedule, Expectations, and Cost

Orchestra Schedule:

• Small Group Lessons: once a week during the school day for 30 minutes. 
  • Start the week of September 16
  • Exact lesson day will be shared at Orchestra Orientation Night. 
• After School Orchestra Rehearsal: every other week at each elementary school from 3:30-4:15 PM. These will start after winter break. The TENTATIVE schedule is:  
  • Tuesdays: North and Southeast
  • Wednesdays: West
  • Thursdays: North Grove and South Prairie

Orchestra Expectations:

• Students must attend ALL lessons and after school orchestra rehearsals. 
• If a student is unable to attend their lesson or a rehearsal, kindly email an orchestra teacher to let them know. 
• Students are encouraged to practice every day. (Parents/Guardians: Your child will need some friendly reminders to practice. With YOUR support they will succeed!)

Overall Cost:

• Quinlan & Fabish Music Company will be present at our sign-up night. Equipment you will need: instrument, music stand for home, note flashcards, and method book; all available through Q&F in the sign-up night package deal! (www.qandf.com) Note: Please contact us before purchasing an instrument to be assured it can be used in class.
• A $25 school fee will be assigned after the sign-up night.  
• White top, black bottom, and black shoes for concert uniform. 

Events

Orchestra Sign-up Night

• Wednesday, September 4 from 3:30-6:30 PM at Sycamore Middle School. Come anytime.
• Please allow at least 30 minutes to try all the instruments and sign up for an instrument with Q&F.

Orchestra Orientation

• Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 PM at Sycamore Middle School. 
• You will learn how to care for your instrument and how to help your child be successful in orchestra.
• Instruments will be handed out!

Demonstration Concert

• Thursday, December 12
• 6:00 - North and North Grove
• 6:45 - Southeast, South Prairie, and West
• Sycamore High School Auditorium

Spring Concert

• Thursday, May 8, 2025
• 6:00 - North and North Grove
• 6:45 - Southeast, South Prairie, and West
• Sycamore High School Auditorium