USD 489 Orchestra
Program Overview


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Elementary School - 4th&5th grade orchestras
2x/week
“The basics”
Middle School - 6th grade and 7th/8th grade orchestras
4x/week
“Improving skills"
High School - one combined orchestra
3x/week
“Continued development and reinforcement of previously acquired musical skills”

4th Grade Orchestra Times

  • Lincoln : Tuesday & Wed., 2:40-3:10pm
  • Wilson: Wed. 7:30am & Fri.,time TBA
  • Roosevelt: Thursday, 7:45 am-8:15 am, Fri. 3:15-3:45 pm
  • O’Loughlin: Tues. and Thurs. 2:50-3:20 pm
  • Washington: Mon. & Wed. 8:15-8:45 am (switches 2nd sem. To 7:45-8:15 am)
 4th Grade Orchestra Curriculum
The Basics:
Instrument position
Bow hold
Instrument Care
Beginning note reading
Beginning scales and songs, such as Twinkle

Expectations of Students:
On-time
Bring instrument and book
attentive listening
careful treatment of instrument
practicing at home
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Instruments and Supplies
Instrument Loans/Rentals:
school can lend cellos and basses
students must rent or purchase violins/violas
students must purchase own book
students must pay for string replacements

Sources for Instruments and Supplies:
Midwest Music carries the basic supplies for beginning students
Other sources for specialty items: www.sharmusic.com or www.swstrings.com
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Opportunities for 4th Graders
Performances:
December concert
All City Strings concert
Elementary School Graduation

Free Lessons
Summer lesson program between 4th and 5th grade: paired with High School or College string coach for four, free private lessons

Other Opportunities through the Orchestra Program

  • Hays City Music Festival (6th grade)
  • Western Kansas Orchestra Festival (7th-12th)
  • String Fling and String Romp (6th-9th)
  • Seasonal concerts in the community
  • Honors, Regional, and State Orchestras
  • Musical Pit Orchestra
  • Annual High School trip
  • Cedar Bluff Counselor
  • Summer Lessons Coach
  • Scholarship Competition
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Hays Schools Orchestra Boosters Club
Support and enrich students’ experience in the USD489 Orchestra Program:

  • 4th grade orientation
  • Bi-monthly newsletter
  • Cedar Bluff campout
  • Chaperone expenses for orchestra trips
  • Volunteer assistance with local concerts & festivals
  • Free summer lessons program
  • Scholarship contest
  • Publicity
  • Fund Raising: Bake Sale, Yard Sale, KAC Grant
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