1. Poplar Creek Elementary Orchestras Grades 5 & 6

2. What’s Orchestra Good For? • Being part of a community of musical excellence. • Developing strong cognitive, social, and problem-solving skills. • Limitless possibilities for musical sound & expression. • The study of music complements and enhances the disciplines of reading, writing, math, and critical thinking, to name a few!

3. What am I Getting Into? • One of the finest String programs in Southeastern Wisconsin. • A community of skilled & motivated students, parents, and teachers. • A steady & stimulating way to challenge your thinking, creating, expressing, and performing skills that will last a lifetime!

4. Small group lessons are given once per week, per lesson group. Lesson group days and times typically rotate from week to week. Small group lessons are given for violin, viola, cello, and string bass (also called double bass). Large ensemble rehearsals happen once per week, per grade level. Large ensemble rehearsals do NOT rotate days or times. What’s a Week in Orchestra?

5. Expectations, Part I Students and Parents Should Expect: • Orchestra-related questions and concerns to be addressed in a timely manner; ideally within two days, assuming the answer and/or solution is available to Mr. Spitz. Non-orchestra questions (i.e. gardening tips, fantasy football suggestions, etc.) may take longer. • An organized, friendly environment for learning and performing. • Upbeat, energetic lessons and rehearsals that address the musical and technical needs of orchestra students. • Technology-based teaching aids, supplemental materials, and so forth to be posted to Mr. Spitz’s district web page within two days of such materials being presented to students in class. • Paper reminders. For everything. • Email reminders. For everything.

6. Attend weekly small group lessons and orchestra rehearsals. Practice 5 days per week, 20 to 30 minutes per day. Practicing is in addition to lessons and rehearsals at school. Bring reminders, flyers, etc. home and make sure parents read them! Perform at your school’s orchestra concerts. Assist your young musician in remembering lesson & rehearsal times/schedules. Assist & encourage your child to practice regularly. Ask questions! The more you know, the more your child will progress! Read handouts, flyers, etc. when they are sent home and/or posted online. Make time for the family to see your child perform at orchestra concerts! Expectations, Part II Students are Expected to: Parents are Expected to:

7. Where can I find a Music Store? • Family Music Center • Milwaukee: 414-546-6664 www.familymusic.biz • White House of Music • Waukesha: 262-798-9700 • Wauwatosa: 414-607-3900 www.whitehouseofmusic.com • Lincoln House of Music • Milwaukee: 414-671-4233 • Cascio Interstate Music • New Berlin: 262-789-7600 www.interstatemusic.com

8. Questions? • Poplar Creek Phone: 262-789-6590 x2261 • Ronald Reagan Phone: 262-789-6590 x2261 • District Email: thomas.spitz@nbexcellence.org