Orchestra
5th Grade
Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Orchestra program at The Skokie School! I'm so excited to begin a new year of music making with you. Whether you are continuing from previous years or joining orchestra for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our ensemble. Orchestra is a place where students support one another, take creative risks, and discover what they can accomplish together. I'm looking forward to helping each student build conference, technique, and a lifelong love of music. Thank you for joining the orchestra community. I can't wait to get started and see all the wonderful things we will achieve this year!
Sincerely,
Emily Zwijack, Orchestra Director
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
- 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 rotational schedule on Mondays.
- Lessons are held in the Orchestra Room.
A group lesson schedule is published each year. Students are responsible for remembering their own lesson times. Please help them copy their group time into their assignment notebooks so they know when the lesson will be each week.
Orchestra Rehearsals
- We meet Mondays after school - 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
- All rehearsals for 5th grade orchestra members will take place in the Orchestra Room.
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 they are absent from school.
Orchestra Concerts
- Winter Concert - December 9th - Skokie Auditorium
- Spring Concert - May 13th - Skokie Auditorium
Concert Dress
The following is considered the uniform for all concerts:
- Black Shirt/Blouse
- Black Dress Pants/Skirt (NO JEANS OR LEGGINGS)
- Black Socks & Black Dress Shoes (NO GYM SHOES)
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 contact Ms. Zwijack for more information.
6th Grade
Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Orchestra program at The Skokie School! I'm so excited to begin a new year of music making with you. Whether you are continuing from previous years or joining orchestra for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our ensemble. Orchestra is a place where students support one another, take creative risks, and discover what they can accomplish together. I'm looking forward to helping each student build conference, technique, and a lifelong love of music. Thank you for joining the orchestra community. I can't wait to get started and see all the wonderful things we will achieve this year!
Sincerely,
Emily Zwijack, Orchestra Director
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.
- 6th Grade Orchestra rehearses every day during first period.
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
- 5th-8th Gr. Winter Concert - December 9th
- Skokie School Concert Orchestra Holiday Assembly (6th gr. only) - December
- 5th-8th Gr. Orchestra Spring Concert - May 13th
- Awards Breakfast 6th-8th grade Strings and Their Parents - June
Concert Dress
The following is considered the uniform for all concerts:
- Black Shirt/Blouse
- Black Pants/Skirt (NO JEANS OR LEGGINGS)
- Black Socks & Black Dress Shoes (NO GYM SHOES)
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. Zwijack 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 Ms. Zwijack for more information.
7th and 8th Grade
Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Orchestra program at Carleton W. Washburne! I'm so excited to begin a new year of music making with you. Whether you are continuing from previous years or joining orchestra for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our ensemble. Orchestra is a place where students support one another, take creative risks, and discover what they can accomplish together. I'm looking forward to helping each student build conference, technique, and a lifelong love of music. Thank you for joining the orchestra community. I can't wait to get started and see all the wonderful things we will achieve this year!
Sincerely,
Emily Zwijack, Orchestra Director
Required Materials
- Instrument (cellos/basses see below)
- Rosin
- Cleaning Cloth
- Pencil
- Music Folder
Rehearsals
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 they are 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 - September - 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
- 5th-8th Gr. Winter Concert - December - Skokie Auditorium
- 7th-8th Gr. MIOSM Concert - March - TBD
- 5th-8th Gr. Spring Concert - May - Skokie Auditorium
- Awards Breakfast 6th-8th grade Strings and Their Parents - June
- Graduation Ceremony for 7th/8th Grade Strings - June - Skokie Auditorium
Concert Dress
The following is considered the uniform for all concerts:
- Black Shirt/Blouse
- Black Pants/Skirt (NO JEANS OR LEGGINGS)
- Black Socks & Black Dress Shoes (NO GYM SHOES OF ANY KIND!!!)
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: September
FESTIVAL: October
Students who are interested in auditioning should see Ms. Zwijack 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 Ms. Zwijack for more information.