Instrumental music in MS and HS
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Anonymous
I've discussed this with our private instructor and his take was that he's seen kids go either way, and it works out fine. For kids with years of experience, playing in the 4th grade orchestra may seem "easy" but also exposes them to some musical theory and note reading that they might not yet have fluency in. On the flip side, it can be a fun way to try out a new instrument with low stakes. I'm guessing the trick is practicing both instruments with any regularity. |
Anonymous
Private lessons may be common but several private lessons a week are not the norm. Some students play more than one instrument, necessitating more than one lesson. And some play one instrument in two styles (classical and folk or jazz), necessitating more than one teacher. |
Anonymous
Ensemble playing skills and sight reading would be new for some kids taking private lessons. |
Anonymous
This is similar to our MS (Frost). I don't know how many lessons per week the kids are taking but my kids quickly dropped out. Unless it is one of your main interests and you take lessons outside of school, you'll feel behind. |
Anonymous
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I always post on these about quitting instruments. I have a serious piano player and I "let him "quit" - he took off a bunch of summers and is not taking lessons. Yet, he is still plays piano.
When it was time to get to instrumental in middle school, I found out he cannot play piano for band or orchestra (although many MS and HS have jazz ensemble and are looking for pianists). Based on another's recommendation, my DS tried cello for a while, didn't like it, and went to chorus. He still is in chorus in high school and plays piano in his free time. I supported him finding his place in music - not because of me but based on his interests. There are so many great options in MCPS - let them find their way. |
Anonymous
| My DD plays violin, and I really hope that the band in MS does not have kids who play "part time" or just in school. It will be a waste of DD's time to play with people like that. She's going to Hoover, so I was pleased to read PP's post about Hoover. |
Anonymous
Then maybe you should find a different elective for your DD. |
Anonymous
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I'll give another perspective.
I wouldn't force a kid to continue lessons they hated, but maybe figure out why she isn't enjoying it. Does she just feel too much pressure? Are the songs boring? A different teacher with a different attitude might bring some energy back. My kid isn't going to Julliard and doesn't need to play Chopin, but she really likes to play show tunes and she sounds great. Maybe she'll add in some Chopin when she gets older. For violin, I might consider some private lessons for just a year or so at this point. I learned in public schools and learned a lot of bad habits that way -- I never really learned proper form until I started private lessons. I don't think they need to keep up with private lessons just to participate in orchestra in public school, but it might help her to get some of the fundamentals in place with the start of middle school. I decided against private lessons for my E.S. kid because she was a good music reader (from years of piano) and was already feeling bored in the E.S. instrumental class...but I think middle school will move more quickly. |
Anonymous
Ugh. I'm so sorry your child has to put up with the rest of the schlubs here on Planet Earth. (Of course, there may be some class in which she is not the super star, in which other children are wasting their time being in her subpar presence) |
Anonymous
It is public school. Expensive lessons and instruments can't be required, although regular practice can and should be expected. If your lucky child needs more you might consider other options like MCYO |
Anonymous
She will for certain play in Hoover's orchestra with kids who just play in school. |
j2415
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When my son was a toddler, he loves to play musical instruments like drums, keyboard and guitar. When he was in elementary, we bought him keyboard and guitar. I enrolled him for piano lesson, he used to play at home. He played his guitar only for few times. Even though he know how to play piano, he told me that he wanted to study drum lessons. So he quit playing piano because he wanted drums. Now, my son is really good in drumming. He is in the marching band at school and joins band competition at our church and they are always qualified for National competition. He is now also learning piano at school. I would like to encourage you to just let your daughter play whatever instrument she wants, if she wanted violin then let her do it, then later on she might want to go back playing piano. It worked for my son, it might worked for your daughter too.
Praying for you that you will be guided as you choose the right path for your daughter. Thank you for sharing. |
Anonymous
| My middle school kid is a bit quirky and struggles with social situations. He doesn't have much in the way of extracurricular activities and isn't a cookie cutter kid (no soccer, baseball, basketball, etc.) He has told me he wants to quit band because the teacher expects too much practice, but he enjoys the class and the social aspect of it. I've honestly told him not to worry about practice too much and stick with it because it could become a nice tribe for him in high school. I honestly never practiced and played in the school band throughout high school. So for me, as long as my DS isn't slowing the class down, I've veered away from the MOCO pressure around practice, practice, practice, and just want my son to be happy. Some will disagree with this approach, but to each their own. |
Anonymous
Yep. I have a Suzuki kid who will be reading music in 4th, but not as strongly as a kid who has been reading music since the beginning. I will encourage her to continue with her current instrument in ES orchestra partially for that reason. |