• How much does it cost to be in orchestra?

    Not as much as you think!  Families will need to provide an instrument - for beginners rental is recommended.  Many local music stores will offer rent-to-own programs while your student is still growing and considering the longevity of their time in orchestra.  

    If you are interested in purchasing, make sure Mrs. Duncan has sized your instrument and that you purchase from a reputable dealer, avoid internet deals for under $100 as these are often more like toys than musical instruments!

    For students selecting cello & bass, a limited number of instruments are available for rental through the school by paying an annual maintainence fee on MyPayments Plus.

    There is also a $25 supply fee on MyPaymentsPlus that covers the required method book, the t-shirt that comprises our uniform in 6th grade, and a binder to keep sheet music.

    A parent information meeting will be held in the fall, please don't worry about getting an instrument until then even if your student selects orchestra in the spring!

    My student is involved in lots of after school activities - will they have time for orchestra?

    Orchestra is co-curriculuar, it takes place during the school day.  The only after school commitments are 2-3 evening concerts, and dates are published in August for the school year.  Any other activities are strictly voluntary.  While some outside practice time is beneficial, Mrs. Duncan is available before school on Tuesday & Thursday at 8:15 AM for "morning practice" and also builds practice time into each lesson.

    But my student doesn't know anything about reading music or playing an instrument, will they be behind?

    No!  We start from the beginning in music literacy and learning how to hold and care for the instruments.  Almost 99% of students in 6th grade orchestra are beginners.  Those students who have studied privately before 6th grade are given music appropriate to their skill level.

    Other questions?  E-mail Mrs. Duncan at Whitney.Duncan@gcpsk12.org