Orchestra

Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Skokie School String program. I am thriiled to be welcoming your students to the elementary orchestra! As always, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at sherylnussbaum@winnetka36.org. We are looking forward to a fun and rewarding musical experience for everyone!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sheryl Nussbaum

Required Materials

• Instrument (see below)
• Pencil
• Folder
• Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for your instrument

Instrument Rentals

If you do not have an instrument, please contact me as soon as possible. I can suggest a number of reputable retailers in the area. It is not necessary to purchase an instrument at this time.

Group Lessons

A group lesson schedule is published each year. Students are responsible for remembering his/her own lesson times. Please help them copy their group time into their assignment notebooks so they know when the lesson will be each week.

• Group lessons begin during the first few weeks of school
• You will receive a schedule to keep at home
• Students and classroom teachers will have a copy of the schedule at school
• All 5th grade string students receive one 30-minute small group lesson per week. They meet on a rotating schedule on Mondays.
• Lessons are held in Orchestra Room 018 which is located in the lower level of Skokie School.

Orchestra Rehearsals

• We meet Mondays after school - 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• All rehearsals for 5th grade orchestra members will take place in the Orchestra Room 018 which is located in the lower level of Skokie School.

TO PERFORM AT A HIGH LEVEL WE NEED ALL OF YOU PRESENT - ALL OF THE TIME!

Rehearsal time is very important to the success of the orchestra. We need to make full use of every minute.

No one should be absent from orchestra or a lesson unless he/she is absent from school.

Orchestra Concerts

• Premier Concert - December - Skokie Auditorium
• IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest - February - All Day at TBA Location
• Spring Concert - May - Skokie Auditorium

Concert Dress

The following is considered the uniform for all concerts:

• White Shirt/Blouse
• Black Pants/Skirt
• Black Socks & Black Dress Shoes (NO GYM SHOES)
• Long Necktie

When we all look our best, it reflects positively in our performance.

Private Lessons and Summer Camps

The district does not require private lessons. However, it is strongly recommended that all students explore the option. They provide a student with invaluable one-to-one instruction time.  Many of our students take advantage of the benefits of private lessons.  Lessons provide a wonderful opportunity to increase technique, progress, and a love and appreciation for music. In addition, lessons also improve the performance level of the entire ensemble. The district has a number of accomplished instructors available to all string players.

Summer camps also provide an excellent opportunity for young musicians to develop their talents. They get the chance to work with accomplished musicians and teachers from throughout the country. There are many excellent camps right here in the Midwest. Scholarships are often available. Please see me in the spring for more information.

SKOKIE SCHOOL 5TH GRADE ORCHESTRA/BEGINNING STRINGS INFORMATION

Violin Demonstration:

Viola Demonstration:

Cello Demonstration:

Bass Demonstration:

Incoming 5th grade sign up form

Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Skokie School Concert Orchestra program!

I am thrilled to be working with the Skokie Concert Orchestra! Please give special attention to the calendar in the following pages. It is very important that you are aware of all the events that are taking place and mark them in your calendar to avoid conflicts. It goes without saying that every child is vital to the success of our orchestras. So, please let me know as soon as possible if there are any immediate concerns. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sheryl Nussbaum

Required Materials

• Instrument (cellos/basses see below)
• Rosin
• Cleaning Cloth
• Pencil
• Music Folder

Orchestra Rehearsals

• All rehearsals for 6th grade orchestra members will take place in the Orchestra Room 018 which is located in the lower level of Skokie School.
• 6th Grade Orchestra rehearses every day during first period.

TO PERFORM AT A HIGH LEVEL WE NEED ALL OF YOU PRESENT - ALL OF THE TIME!

Rehearsal time is very important to the success of the orchestra. We need to make full use of every minute.

No one should be absent from orchestra or a lesson unless he/she is absent from school.

Calendar / Concert Dates

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH PERFORMANCE DATES. OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON HAVING EVERYONE AT EVERY PERFORMANCE.

• Band/Orchestra Parent Info. Night - September
• IMEA Honors Orchestra Auditions - September
• IMEA Band & Orchestra Festival - October
• 6th-8th Gr. Holiday Concert - December
• Skokie School Concert Orchestra Holiday Assembly (6th gr. only) - December
• IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest - February
• 5th-8th Gr. Orchestra Spring Concert - May
• Awards Breakfast 6th-8th grade Strings and Their Parents - June

Concert Dress

The following is considered the uniform for all concerts:

• White Shirt/Blouse
• Black Pants/Skirt
• Black Socks & Black Dress Shoes (NO GYM SHOES)
• Long Necktie (Boys)

When we all look our best, it reflects positively in our performance.

IMEA District Orchestra

All 6th-8th Grade Orchestra students are eligible to audition for the Illinois Music Educators Association All-District Orchestra. This is an orchestra made up of outstanding middle school musicians from throughout the area.

AUDITIONS: September
FESTIVAL: October

Students who are interested in auditioning should see Ms. Schroer immediately. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity!

Private Lessons and Summer Camps

The district does not require private lessons. However, it is strongly recommended that all students explore the option. They provide a student with invaluable one-to-one instruction time that unfortunately the program does not allow time for.  Many of our students take advantage of the benefits of private lessons.  Lessons provide a wonderful opportunity to increase technique, progress, and a love and appreciation for music. In addition, lessons also improve the performance level of the entire ensemble. The district has a number of accomplished instructors available to all string players.

Summer camps also provide an excellent opportunity for young musicians to develop their talents. They get the chance to work with accomplished musicians and teachers from throughout the country. There are many excellent camps right here in the Midwest. Scholarships are often available. Please see me in the spring for more information.

Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Washburne School Orchestra 7-8 program.

I am thrilled to be working with the orchestra this year! Please give special attention to the calendar in the following pages. It is very important that you are aware of all the events that are taking place and mark them in your calendar to avoid conflicts. Every child is vital to the success of our orchestras, so please let me know as soon as possible if there are any immediate scheduling concerns. I am looking forward to a fabulous year of wonderful music making!!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Sheryl Nussbaum

---

7th/8th Grade Required Materials

• Instrument (cellos/basses see below)
• Rosin
• Cleaning Cloth
• Pencil
• Music Folder

Sectionals

• You will receive a Sectionals Schedule to keep at home. I will also provide a copy to parents via email.
• Students and classroom teachers will have a copy of the schedule at school.
• 7th/8th grade string players will continue to receive small group lessons called sectionals. Sectionals take place every Wednesday on a rotating basis (30 minutes in small groups). Consideration is given to accommodate for tests, quizzes and important material covered in class.
• Sectionals will take place in the band/orchestra rehearsal room (sectional room).

Rehearsals

• We meet every Monday 7:30 - 8:20 a.m. and Tuesday/Thursday during Flex, 2:55 - 3:30 p.m.
• All rehearsals will take place in the orchestra room.
• Weekly Sectionals - See above

TO PERFORM AT A HIGH LEVEL WE NEED ALL OF YOU PRESENT - ALL OF THE TIME!

Rehearsal time is very important to the success of the orchestra. We need to make full use of every minute.

No one should be absent from orchestra or a lesson unless he/she is absent from school.

Concert Dates

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THESE DATES. OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON HAVING EVERYONE AT EVERY PERFORMANCE.

• Back to School Night - November - Orchestra Room
• IMEA Honors Orchestra Auditions - September (see below)
• IMEA Band & Orchestra Festival - October
• New Trier Orchestra Festival - 8th graders only - November - New Trier East Campus
• 6th-8th Gr. Holiday Concert - December - Skokie Auditorium
• IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest - Saturday in February - All Day at TBA Location
• 5th-8th Gr. Orchestra Spring Concert - May - Skokie Auditorium
• Jazz Ensemble/String Orchestra Tour - May - All Day (during school)
• Awards Breakfast 6th-8th grade Strings and Their Parents - June
• Graduation Ceremony for 7th/8th Grade Strings - June - NT

Concert Dress

The following is considered the uniform for all concerts:

• White Shirt/Blouse
• Black Pants/Skirt
• Black Socks & Black Dress Shoes (NO GYM SHOES OF ANY KIND!!!)
• Long Necktie 

When we all look our best, it reflects positively in our performance. When you look good, you sound good!

IMEA District Orchestra

All 6th-8th Grade Orchestra students are eligible to audition for the Illinois Music Educators Association All-District Orchestra. This is an orchestra made up of outstanding middle school musicians from throughout the area.

AUDITIONS: October
FESTIVAL: November

Students who are interested in auditioning should see Mrs. Nussbaum immediately. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity!

Private Lessons and Summer Camps

The district does not require private lessons. However, it is strongly recommended that all students explore the option. They provide a student with invaluable one-to-one instruction time that unfortunately the program does not allow time for.  Many of our students take advantage of the benefits of private lessons.  Lessons provide a wonderful opportunity to increase technique, progress, and a love and appreciation for music. In addition, lessons also improve the performance level of the entire ensemble. The district has a number of accomplished instructors available to all string players.

Summer camps also provide an excellent opportunity for young musicians to develop their talents. They get the chance to work with accomplished musicians and teachers from throughout the country. There are many excellent camps right here in the Midwest. Scholarships are often available. Please see me in the spring for more information.