www.DOESorchestra.org

D.O.E.S. BEGINNING STRING STUDENTS Dear Parents, Dayton Oaks Elementary School is pleased to be able to offer beginning orchestra instruction to students in grades 3-5 this year. Free, high quality instruction will be offered on the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Orchestra classes will take place twice a week for a half hour each class and will not conflict with either math or reading. The Dayton Oaks orchestra program uses a two-week rotational schedule. In order for your child to participate in these classes, it will be necessary for you to either rent or purchase an instrument for your child. Please find a list of local music stores and discount catalogs attached. String orchestra instrument instruction will continue to be available to your child in Howard County through the 12th grade. The opportunities for playing a string instrument after high school are abundant, with many universities offering scholarships for orchestra participation. Playing in an orchestra provides a great foundation for your child in all aspects of life. Learning to play a string instrument and belonging to the school orchestra opens up a whole new world of learning, friendship, and fun. Your child will be able to take advantage of several music performance opportunities this year. Through the study of music, students learn self-discipline, group cooperation, problem-solving, goal-setting, self-expression, memory skills, concentration, poise, enhanced physical coordination, high self-esteem and the importance of teamwork – skills in great demand in almost every aspect of life. Like all arts, music also has a profound effect on the academic success of students as well. If you wish to enroll your child, please complete the attached application form and have it returned to me or put in my mailbox by Friday, September 5, 2008. If you need any additional information or have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me at (410) 313-1571. I look forward to working with your child.

Musically, Ms. Tammy Sutton DOES Orchestra Teacher

www.DOESorchestra.org

Students enrolling in orchestra must either rent or purchase an instrument. Below is a list of local music stores and discount catalogs that carry string instruments and supplies:

1. Woodbridge Music Shop Clarksville (443)535-9677 2. Music & Art Center Ellicott City (410)461-1844

3. Perrin & Associates Baltimore (410)539-0043 4. Potter’s String Shop Bethesda (301)652-7070

5. Duet With Music Frederick (301)695-3838 6. Stu’s Music Shop Westminster (410)876-7585

7. Farrell’s Music Shop Baltimore (410)366-7616 8. Washington Music Center Wheaton (301)946-2300 9. Dales Music Shop Silver Spring (301)589-1459 10. Gayles Music Shop College Park (301)474-4300 *11. Southwest Strings Catalog 1-800-528-3430 *12. The Woodwind & The Brasswind Catalog 1-800-348-5003 *13. Shar Music Catalog 1-800-248-SHAR *Please contact me before ordering from a catalog to measure your child for the correct size instrument. In addition to getting an instrument for your child, he/she will also need:

1. **A three ring binder with a pocket** 2. Essential Elements 2000, Book I 3. A shoulder rest (only for violins & violas), this is a necessity!

A. The Kun shoulder rest is an the best choice. B. The purple/blue shoulder sponge is acceptable.

4. A rock stop (only for cello & bass students) 5. Rosin 6. A soft cloth to wipe the rosin from the instrument after playing. 7. A music stand for home practice. 8. TWO pencils – which should be kept in the instrument case and brought

to every class. 9. Three blank CD-R’s labeled with your child’s name. Please bring it to

school and give it to Ms. Sutton during the first weeks of class. It will be returned to you with recordings of our concert repertoire.

Students enrolling in strings must understand that they are making a commitment to daily practice at home. Good practice habits and a positive attitude have a great effect on the success your child will achieve through this class. This year classes will begin on Wednesday, September 17, 2008. Please feel free to contact me at (410)313-1571 if you have a question or problem. I am looking forward to another fantastic year!

Ms. Tammy Sutton DOES Orchestra Teacher

www.DOESorchestra.org

DAYTON OAKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BEGINNING STRING APPLICATION FORM

*Return this form by Friday, September 5, 2008*

Name_________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ City__________________________________Zip Code_________________ Phone (home)___________________(work)_________________________ Grade_________HomeroomTeacher________________________________ Email Address:_________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name (please print)________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________________

Please check which instrument your child has chosen to play:

Violin________ Viola_________

Cello_________ Bass_________