Frequently Asked Questions
About Orchestra
Q: What’s the difference between band and orchestra?
A: In orchestra, students learn instruments from the string family: violin, viola, cello, and bass. In band, students learn wind, brass, and percussion instruments.
Q. Does my son or daughter have to try out to be in the Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra?
A: Your child does not need to try out to be part of the orchestra family.
Q: Does my son or daughter have to have any prior experience in music in order to be in the orchestra?
A: No. We start from the very beginning and we teach all of the students how to hold and play the instruments, and how to read music. If your student has prior experience, they may choose to learn another instrument or be placed in our chamber orchestra.
Q: How do we decide what instrument to play? How do we order it?
A: At the end of the Spring semester, there will be an orchestra night where students can look at the instruments and try them out with one of our partners from a local music store. We call this the “instrument petting zoo.” During this time you may talk to one of our rental companies and begin the process of renting or purchasing an instrument. We also will have one of these events at the beginning of the school year if you miss the Spring event.
Q: How much does orchestra cost?
A: Currently, the Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra does not charge a participation fee. The only required fee is for the uniform polo which is $25. Other than this small fee, families will spend anywhere from $20-$60 a month on a rental or lease of an instrument through one of our local rental partners.
We believe that no student should be turned away from orchestra due to financial hardships and understand that families have different levels of financial responsibility. Therefore, it is the policy of this program to make sure that every student has an opportunity to participate. If you feel that finances may be a barrier, please reach out to see how we can help.
Q: Should I buy an instrument?
A: We recommend renting an instrument since string instruments come in various sizes. Beginners tend to “size-up” as they grow. Our music store partners will work with you on this and make sure you have the appropriate sized instrument until your child reaches a full-sized instrument.
Q: “I found a great deal online!” Should I get it?
A: It is recommended that families not purchase online without first consulting the orchestra staff. As the timeless phrase goes, “you get what you pay for.” Online retailers will have cheaper instruments listed and quality can vary greatly. You may also unknowingly order the incorrect size for your child to play. Local repair shops also may not repair the instrument due to the quality of construction resulting in another purchase. We encourage you to meet with one of our music store partners.
Q: Would my son or daughter have to stay after school or come before school every day to be a part of the orchestra program?
A: Orchestra is a class that takes place during the connections time during the school day. Though we may have optional opportunities (chamber orchestra which rehearses after-school, orchestra events generally only occur during the school day. There will be concerts during the year which will take place after school. This time is to celebrate all of the hard work the students have put into learning their instruments.
Q: How important is practicing at home?
A: As with any performance-based activity, you get out of it what you put into it. Students who practice on a regular basis will be much more happy in orchestra than those who do not. It is important to have a quiet place at home with a music stand, tuner, and metronome. The amount of time will vary from student to student. It is important for you to encourage practice and praise the results. There will be weekly practice assignments for students to complete.
Q: Should my student take private lessons?
A: Private lessons are not required to participate in orchestra but are highly recommended. We have a list of instructors in the area and you can contact local music stores for information on local instructors.
Q: Can my child participate in sports and orchestra?
A: The administration, coaches and directors make every effort to avoid conflicts in scheduling so that students who wish to participate in both activities may do so. We have many students that participate within our school athletic programs - Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, etc.
Q: Thinking down the road…do colleges like to see participation in the arts on transcripts?
A: Yes. Colleges look for well-rounded students. Participation in music, as well as the other arts, displays to the college admissions that your child has a wide variety of skills and interests. Many colleges give out scholarships for students participating in the orchestra – both for music majors and non-music majors.
A: In orchestra, students learn instruments from the string family: violin, viola, cello, and bass. In band, students learn wind, brass, and percussion instruments.
Q. Does my son or daughter have to try out to be in the Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra?
A: Your child does not need to try out to be part of the orchestra family.
Q: Does my son or daughter have to have any prior experience in music in order to be in the orchestra?
A: No. We start from the very beginning and we teach all of the students how to hold and play the instruments, and how to read music. If your student has prior experience, they may choose to learn another instrument or be placed in our chamber orchestra.
Q: How do we decide what instrument to play? How do we order it?
A: At the end of the Spring semester, there will be an orchestra night where students can look at the instruments and try them out with one of our partners from a local music store. We call this the “instrument petting zoo.” During this time you may talk to one of our rental companies and begin the process of renting or purchasing an instrument. We also will have one of these events at the beginning of the school year if you miss the Spring event.
Q: How much does orchestra cost?
A: Currently, the Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra does not charge a participation fee. The only required fee is for the uniform polo which is $25. Other than this small fee, families will spend anywhere from $20-$60 a month on a rental or lease of an instrument through one of our local rental partners.
We believe that no student should be turned away from orchestra due to financial hardships and understand that families have different levels of financial responsibility. Therefore, it is the policy of this program to make sure that every student has an opportunity to participate. If you feel that finances may be a barrier, please reach out to see how we can help.
Q: Should I buy an instrument?
A: We recommend renting an instrument since string instruments come in various sizes. Beginners tend to “size-up” as they grow. Our music store partners will work with you on this and make sure you have the appropriate sized instrument until your child reaches a full-sized instrument.
Q: “I found a great deal online!” Should I get it?
A: It is recommended that families not purchase online without first consulting the orchestra staff. As the timeless phrase goes, “you get what you pay for.” Online retailers will have cheaper instruments listed and quality can vary greatly. You may also unknowingly order the incorrect size for your child to play. Local repair shops also may not repair the instrument due to the quality of construction resulting in another purchase. We encourage you to meet with one of our music store partners.
Q: Would my son or daughter have to stay after school or come before school every day to be a part of the orchestra program?
A: Orchestra is a class that takes place during the connections time during the school day. Though we may have optional opportunities (chamber orchestra which rehearses after-school, orchestra events generally only occur during the school day. There will be concerts during the year which will take place after school. This time is to celebrate all of the hard work the students have put into learning their instruments.
Q: How important is practicing at home?
A: As with any performance-based activity, you get out of it what you put into it. Students who practice on a regular basis will be much more happy in orchestra than those who do not. It is important to have a quiet place at home with a music stand, tuner, and metronome. The amount of time will vary from student to student. It is important for you to encourage practice and praise the results. There will be weekly practice assignments for students to complete.
Q: Should my student take private lessons?
A: Private lessons are not required to participate in orchestra but are highly recommended. We have a list of instructors in the area and you can contact local music stores for information on local instructors.
Q: Can my child participate in sports and orchestra?
A: The administration, coaches and directors make every effort to avoid conflicts in scheduling so that students who wish to participate in both activities may do so. We have many students that participate within our school athletic programs - Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, etc.
Q: Thinking down the road…do colleges like to see participation in the arts on transcripts?
A: Yes. Colleges look for well-rounded students. Participation in music, as well as the other arts, displays to the college admissions that your child has a wide variety of skills and interests. Many colleges give out scholarships for students participating in the orchestra – both for music majors and non-music majors.