5TH GRADE Parents – WHY JOIN?

The Stafford Orchestra is like a big family. The friends you make and the experiences you have will help you achieve your potential in middle school and your friends will be with you in 6th grade and on into high school.

The coordination learned from fingering with the left hand and bowing with the right are “contrary-motion” skills that will help you throughout your life. Hand/eye coordination from music reading adds a third dimension to your skill set.

Research has shown that students who are involved in Orchestra receive higher SAT/ACT scores and overall highest grades.

Look toward the future! It is a fact that colleges pick students for scholarships who are involved in music! Remember, there are more stringed instruments in an orchestra, therefore more money to give away to orchestra students!

Elective Choices in the 6th grade:
6th grade students may choose only ONE elective.

Athletics and Cheerleading are NOT offered in the sixth grade, however Orchestra is offered starting in 6th grade. When the students reach 7th grade they can take both athletics AND Orchestra. The Stafford Orchestra students are equally involved in all athletics throughout the year.

Orchestra does not conflict with other middle school activities such as athletics or cheerleading.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT ORCHESTRA:

Q: What instruments are in the orchestra?

A: The orchestra is composed of stringed instruments such as violin, viola, cello, and bass

Q: Is string double bass the same as an electric bass?

A: Yes it is! In fact, the string bass and electric bass have the same strings and note names. The only difference is that an electric bass has frets and you hold it horizontally, while the string bass is played sitting or standing “vertically” or upright.

Q: Do I need any kind of musical experience to play in the 6th grade orchestra at StMS?

A: No way! Mrs. Titus will teach you everything you need to know, from reading notes and rhythms to playing the instrument plucking and with the bow!

Q: Why should I choose to be in orchestra in the 6th grade and not another elective?

A: Great Question! Stringed instruments are played with a bow (the long wooden stick thing). The bow is our special voice and we can play lots of cool techniques with it. Starting orchestra in the sixth grade will better prepare you for all the fun and cool pieces you want to play later. If you know you want to play an instrument, play in the orchestra your sixth grade year…then in your seventh grade you can choose another elective to add.

Q: Does the orchestra participate in fun activities outside of school?

A: We sure do!!! Mrs. Titus loves to reward the orchestras by taking them to various contests such as The Sandy Lake Festival, and UIL. This year we are having game night at Gatti Town!!! Oh, and I almost forgot to mention the end of the year trip to Hurricane Harbor or Six Flags!

Q: I am involved in lots of activities outside of school and I don’t think I will have time to practice, what should I do?

A: Well, practice time is important. But let me explain it like this….it doesn’t matter what elective you choose, you will need to put in some homework time for every class, right? No freebie classes at StMS…sorry.

Q: I’m pretty small right now. How can I possibly play those instruments?A: Another great question! Actually, orchestra instruments are perfect for young students because they are made of wood and can fit any size person. They make small versions of every instrument so you don’t have to worry about orchestra instruments being to big. As you grow, you can get your instrument exchanged for a bigger one. Cool, huh?