Frequently Asked Questions
What grades can participate?
Students in 4th and 5th grade are welcome to join orchestra.
What levels of experience can participate?
Any level of experience is great! No previous experience necessary.
Note: At Silver Mesa Elementary, we may have enough students returning for a second year to have a rehearsal day set aside for second-year players. Tuesday will be beginning, Thursday advanced, and Friday both will meet together.
Note: At Silver Mesa Elementary, we may have enough students returning for a second year to have a rehearsal day set aside for second-year players. Tuesday will be beginning, Thursday advanced, and Friday both will meet together.
What instruments are included in the program?
Violin, viola, and cello will be taught.
Where do I get an instrument?
You are welcome to purchase or rent an instrument. The school does have a limited number of instruments available to rent on a first-come-first-serve basis. To rent a school instrument, you must complete the rental form, which is available from the teacher. The rental fee must be paid before the student is allowed to take the instrument home. There are other sources from which you can rent, including Riverton Music, Summerhays Music, Charles Liu Fine Violins, Day Violins, www.sharmusic.com, and others. I strongly caution you when looking for instruments online as many of them may be cheap, but not playable. If you need help finding an instrument or have questions about whether an instrument you have found online or otherwise is good, please feel free to ask.
Note: Draper Elementary does not have a string instrument inventory. If your student is on fee waiver, I can try to obtain an instrument for them to rent from another elementary school in the district. Please contact me with any questions.
Note: Draper Elementary does not have a string instrument inventory. If your student is on fee waiver, I can try to obtain an instrument for them to rent from another elementary school in the district. Please contact me with any questions.
How do I take care of the instrument?
Your student will be taught some basics during their first day of rehearsal and will be reminded of them as needed throughout the year. Under the 'Student Resources' tab you can find a helpful list on this topic.
What materials does my student need?
They will need an instrument, a bow, a case, rosin, a lint-free cleaning cloth, a music folder (this will be provided when we start using sheet music), the book Essential Elements for Strings Book 1, a metronome, and a pencil. I also suggest violin and viola students obtain a shoulder rest and the cello students get a rock stop.
What should my student wear for concerts?
Students should wear nice clothing, like what would be worn to church. Boys should wear slacks with a polo or button-up shirt. A tie is optional. Girls may wear a dress or a skirt or slacks with a blouse. The length of a dress or skirt should reach beyond the knees when she is seated. Leggings do not make a shorter skirt acceptable for performance.
How much does it cost to participate?
Tuition is $180.00 for the school year. Tuition can be paid in one lump sum or in payments. Eligible students can apply for a “fee waiver” to cover the tuition; however, fee waivers do not include instrument rentals. Students on Free or Reduced lunch need to fill out a separate fee waiver application for this program each year. To apply for a fee waiver, please fill out the “Fee waiver application” form and return it to the school your child attends for academics. Students will also need to purchase a method book for the class from a local vendor.
How do I make my payment(s)?
Payments can be made by check, money order, cash or credit card. Payments need to be made at the beginning of the orchestra class (October $180.00), or two equal payments (October & February @ $90.00 each). You may also choose to do 8 equal payments of $22.50, payable at the beginning of each month October through May.
To pay by credit card: Call Cindee Clawson @ 801-826-5341.
To avoid lost or delayed payments, all other payments should be mailed directly to:
Canyons School District
attn: Sharee Jorgensen
9150 S. 500 W.
Sandy, Utah 84070
When mailing payments, please include the student's name, grade, and school.
To pay by credit card: Call Cindee Clawson @ 801-826-5341.
To avoid lost or delayed payments, all other payments should be mailed directly to:
Canyons School District
attn: Sharee Jorgensen
9150 S. 500 W.
Sandy, Utah 84070
When mailing payments, please include the student's name, grade, and school.