The Orchestra
All you need to know about the Orchestra
Program at Lower Dauphin
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Why choose Orchestra?
The string program will provide a strong foundation of lifelong skills. During
the student’s progression through the program, they will proceed to master more
complex skills, more advanced technique, and more challenging levels of string
orchestra music. Disciplined work habits developed through practicing an instrument
can be transferred to academic studies and other facets of life. It also develops the
mental building blocks for critical thinking, concentration, and self-motivation. Music
develops interpersonal skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication,
cooperation or negotiation and working with others as well as the basic personal
attributes required for problem-solving.
Orchestra literature is one of Western culture’s great treasures. Playing a string
instrument integrates a person’s physical, intellectual, and expressive qualities. This
provides a positive experience at an influential period in the lives of the students.
The opportunities for lifelong participation are numerous, either as an
avocation or vocation. For those who excel in musical ability, many colleges offer
scholarships for string instrument players. There are many community orchestras as
well as countless church music groups. In addition to standard orchestra concerts,
string instruments are also used in a variety of other musical settings. They often
provide accompaniments for musical theater and choral productions. String ensembles
are used for an endless variety of functions.
Through participation in a string orchestra, students can experience an added
dimension to their education. Playing a string instrument also gives students special
opportunities for achievement and recognition through a variety of performances.
Before you purchase an
instrument…
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Go through the following slide show patiently and read everything that
you see. We’ve tried to tell you here what is expected of EVERY
instrument in the orchestra.
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We recommend that you purchase your instrument from a local
instrument dealer. Contact your string teacher for information about
these dealers.
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Buying instruments from big wholesale stores or from ONLINE services
might save you money immediately, however these instruments are
often generic or in bad condition and tend to break more often, costing
you even more in repair than you spent on the instrument.
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Many of our vendors will not service instruments that are purchased
from large wholesale stores because when they continue to break, it
reflects poorly upon the service of our vendors.
We want YOU to make an
informed decision…
As a department, we have three different levels, each with different goals:
 Elementary: to find an instrument on which the student can be successful
and to learn the fundamentals of music and of playing the instrument.
(see slide 12 for more details on the Elementary program)
 Middle School: to progress as a musician on the instrument, to have fun
while participating in any of our various musical ensembles, and to learn how
to play different styles of music from different time periods. Students
are held accountable for their progress through the use of different
playing tests.
(see slide 13 for more details about the Middle School program)
 High School: to continue the musical development and advance the
technical skills of the student. Students are held accountable for their
progress through performance venues and playing tests that measure
student progress.
(see slide 14 for more details about the High School program)
The Instruments
The Violin
The violin is the highest
pitched instrument of the
orchestra, because it is the
smallest. As with all
beginning string instruments,
it is a good idea to rent an
instrument that fits the size
of your child. Your string
teacher should be able to tell
you which size is best. When
your child is ready for a fullsized instrument, your string
teacher will contact you.
The Viola
The viola looks very similar to the violin and is played
the same way, but is slightly larger and lower in pitch.
The orchestra can always use more violas, so if your child
is interested in a violin, but wants to be unique, try
encouraging your child to play the viola. It is played
exactly the same way and the difference in size barely
affects the weight of the instrument.
The Cello
The cello is a low sounding instrument that is
played between the knees of the student. Just like
the violin or the viola, smaller versions of this
instrument can be rented to fit your child. At the
middle and high schools, there are enough cellos that
the students may have one to play at school and one
to leave at home, so that they do not have to transport
the instrument to and from school on the bus. At the
elementary school, the availability of instruments will
determine whether or not this same accommodation
can be offered. Typically, this does not cause a
hardship because of the fact that the elementary
ensemble only rehearses once a cycle. At the middle
and high schools, the students may need their
instruments anywhere from 3 to 6 days per cycle.
The String Bass
The string bass is the largest instrument in the
string family is played either while standing up
or while sitting on a stool. Because it is the
largest instrument, it is the lowest sounding.
Like the cello, the school owns a supply of string
basses that the students may use during
rehearsal, so that the student does not have to
transport the instrument on the bus. Advanced
string bass players will be selected for the Jazz
Band at the middle school level based on string
teacher recommendation and band director
approval. At the high school level, all students
must audition for jazz band.
Maintaining A String Instrument
String instruments are very fragile and break if they are not well-maintained. Here are some
tips for maintaining your instrument:
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Always store the instrument in its case.
Loosen the tension on the bow when it is being stored.
Loosen the tuning pegs when it is being stored.
Do not store the instrument in extreme temperatures. It should be stored at room
temperature.
Water on string instruments is bad…bad, bad, bad!!
Rosin should be cleaned off of the instrument before it is returned to its case.
Shoulder pads should be removed from the Violin and the Viola prior to storage in the
case.
End pins on cellos and string basses should not remain in the extended playing position
while the instrument is being stored.
Instruments should NEVER be left unsupervised outside of their cases.
The instrument should NEVER be laid to rest on its bridge.
When using soft cases, you should be extra cautious with the carriage of the instrument in
order to preserve the bridge.
As time goes by and your child
gets busier, what is expected?
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
At the elementary level, students are expected
to put in time outside of school as they practice on
their own. This is crucial to the development of the
musician. A performance at the Lower Dauphin
Elementary Arts Festival and at 2 concerts a year
are your only out-of-school commitments.
Additionally, a few students who are selected for the
Dauphin County String Festival or the PMEA District
7 Youth String Festival will have several out-ofschool rehearsals along with the performance.
As time goes by and your child
gets busier, what is expected?
MIDDLE SCHOOL
At the middle school level, students are not graded
on practice time but should come to class with their music
prepared.
All performances are mandatory unless written
notice is given at least two weeks ahead of time.
- Performances include: 2 Concerts per year and
either an adjudication festival or a community
performance. Additionally some students will be selected
for Dauphin County String Orchestra or Full Orchestra
Festivals, as well as the District 7 Youth String Festival.
As time goes by and your child
gets busier, what is expected?
HIGH SCHOOL
Musical literature from the Baroque period to Contemporary
Music of today is performed by the string and full orchestras. Varied
activities including trips, county, district, and regional events, as well as
public performances all provide the interested student with many
opportunities to be a vital part of the school community. Students
should sign up for “Orchestra” (course # 1214) during course selection if
they are a string who wishes to participate. Wind, Brass, and Percussion
players who wish to participate in the orchestra must audition with the
orchestra and band director, and if selected should add “Band /
Orchestra” (course # 1215) to their course selection.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR HIGH SCHOOL ENSEMBLES
Each year, the High School Musical uses Orchestra members to
fill the Pit Orchestra. Interested students should contact Mrs. Weber or
Mrs. Cliff. All rehearsals and performances take place outside of the
school day and are mandatory unless prior approval has been given for
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
Private lessons are recommended to all
students who wish to pursue an instrument.
One-on-one time with a professional
musician will give those who study privately
the opportunity to get special attention that
is focused on their own development at a
rate that works best for that student.
Contact your string teacher to find out who
they recommend as a private instructor for
your child’s instrument.
Getting in touch
with your string teacher…
Mrs. Melody Cliff mcliff@ldsd.org
Middle School / High School
Miss Stephanie Rodgers srodgers@ldsd.org
Conewago / Londonderry
Mrs. Melissa Sheaffer msheaffer@ldsd.org
Nye
Mr. Caleb Stelle cstelle@ldsd.org
South Hanover / East Hanover
This presentation was created and edited by the LD Music Department. This slideshow is the property of the Lower Dauphin Music Department.