My kids have always played in the band at Whitman. Because you play in class every day, you don't need to practice as much at home (obviously, it would be beneficial). It is a great program and the teacher is awesome. Not every kid has private lessons. My personal feeling is that it is a great break from the stress of other classes and music is so great for the brain!

Anonymous wrote:Bump. I should also add: she’s not a musical genius. Just a casual player who likes it. Doesn’t take outside lessons. Is this just a mistake to even consider?

I can’t speak for Whitman but the two HS our kids have attended each had 3 orchestras. The lowest one was mostly kids who weren’t taking private lessons. The top orchestra was entirely students taking private lessons and usually who were in an outside youth orchestra.

Students need a year of arts credit to graduate. Orchestra counts toward this. If your child likes playing, I’d let her try. The HS music teachers usually audition students for orchestra placement in the spring of 8th grade. If you have doubts she can ask more about the requirement then.

My kids have done high school orchestra at a nearby MCPS school and the time commitment outside class has been minimal.

I wonder if you might have better luck asking in the tween/teen thread? Is Churchill's orchestra significantly different than any other HS's in the area?

Bump. I should also add: she’s not a musical genius. Just a casual player who likes it. Doesn’t take outside lessons. Is this just a mistake to even consider?

What are the daily practice requirements for the easier of the two Whitman orchestras? And is it a hard class? My DC has an interest but has struggled with the practice requirements for the advanced orchestra at Pyle; I imagine it is only worse in high school?

While she loves the orchestra we are worried it will keep her from being able to finish her homework every night if she also has a set number of minutes to practice for orchestra.

TIA.