Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the videos below to learn about the benefits of music education!

How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain.

Benefits of Music.

NO!!! Everything you need to know to play an instrument and read music will be taught in your Orchestra class. Any training in music you already have will be very helpful, but it is not required. All students interested in joining Orchestra must attend a Try the Instrument Night to choose their instrument and be sized for their instrument, but this is NOT an audition - all students are welcome to attend and there is NO PRIOR MUSIC EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Learning any instrument takes practice, and by taking small steps in class every day and practicing daily at home, you will be amazed by your progress at the end of the year!

Orchestra class covers four instruments: violin, viola, cello, and double-bass. Professional orchestras typically include band instruments, however, classes at the middle and high school level only include the four mentioned. We currently do not offer harp in middle school orchestra.

YES!!! Not only is participation in other organizations possible, but it is also encouraged. We work closely with the coaches/directors to allow our students to participate in everything without having conflicts. The Prosper Orchestras also have many academic leaders, talented athletes, singers, actors, NJHS members, cheerleaders, and more!

Prosper ISD offers opportunities for 5th grade students to come and try out all four instruments offered in orchestra. This instrument try out night is typically held in the spring. Additionally, directors will provide one-on-one opportunities with students unable to attend the aforementioned night. Please contact Mr. Gonzalez or Mrs. Quin to set up your one-on-one appointment!

Beginner students are expected to practice an average of twenty minutes daily; this is the musician's homework, just like you will have homework in every other academic class. Students keep track of practice time every week by turning in an on-line practice record (you can even download a free app to turn in your practice time every week - it is easy!) Since all Beginner classes are grouped by instrument, 2-3 after school rehearsals are scheduled before concerts to rehearse together as an orchestra so you will get to hear what all the instruments sound like all together!

The most obvious and rewarding of all is learning to play an instrument. Both Mr. Gonzalez and Mrs. Quin love to reward students with many fun social events throughout the year such as our annual Orchestra Camp, Secret Santa, Orchestra Picnic, and End of Year Party! In the past, we have had parties at places like Main Event, Pin Stack, and Studio Movie Grill.

Some of the things you can look forward to in 7th-8th grade Orchestra and beyond include Spring Festival at Epic Waters, being a Student Aide or planning your own Elementary Tour, and awesome performances/trips in high school!

Fortunately, not much; the main cost is your instrument. Most families rent an instrument on a rental/purchase plan at a low monthly cost. Students can exchange their instrument for a bigger one as they grow, and once students reach a full-sized instrument, your accumulated rental credit can be used to purchase a quality step-up instrument. Cello and Bass students do not need to carry their instruments back and forth to school every day - families will rent one instrument to practice at home, and the school district provides instruments for students to use at school at no cost. 

For your convenience, the other required musical supplies are available for purchase with your rental package: the package includes a music stand for home practice, music book, tuner/metronome (not needed until Spring), rockstop for Cello/Bass students, shoulder rest for Violin/Viola students, and a soft cleaning cloth. Other required supplies are included in your yearly orchestra fee. These include a 1 inch black binder, dividers, page protectors, pencil bag, pencils, and highlighter. You will learn how to use all of these materials and how to stay organized throughout the school year!

We also collect membership dues in lieu of several fundraisers throughout the year, so that we can enjoy all the unique opportunities available to us! Dues cover your Orchestra shirt, festival/contest fees, parties and field trips.

When you come to select your instrument at your Instrument Selection appointment this will be explained to your parents. Most parents rent an instrument with an option to buy or upgrade later.  Pre-order online and instruments will be delivered to school before the first day of class. 

We strongly encourage you to rent or lease a quality instrument through a specialized string company, as they offer the brands and models we prefer the children use in the program. Bargain hunters are finding inexpensive instruments on the Internet, in discount stores, and in some catalogs. Sadly, these instruments are not bargains. While the price may look right, the “real” cost of this instrument may be in costly repairs, poor durability, poor tone, or worst of all, a student who is not able to succeed in string class.

String instruments come in all sizes to fit the student, so anybody can learn to play any of these instruments! We have many talented young men that play violin, and several young ladies that play double bass. However, there is a limit to the number of people that can play each type of instrument so each orchestra is balanced. Remember that cello and bass students do not need to carry their instruments back and forth to school every day - families will rent one instrument to practice at home, and the school district provides instruments for students to use at school. Please wait until meeting a director at Instrument Selection Day before purchasing an instrument.

Please bring the instrument to your instrument selection appointment so a director can check to make sure it is in good working condition. It is essential that the instrument is the proper size, so you do not experience discomfort while practicing from an instrument that is too small or too large. If you are a student with previous playing experience or who is currently taking private lessons, please contact a director to schedule a special time for you to visit and be placed into the best Orchestra class for you.

Please reach out to the directors; we will contact you about your options for joining another level of orchestra.

Please visit the Prosper Middle School Orchestras site to learn more about orchestra and what we do across the district. 

https://sites.google.com/prosper-isd.net/instrumental-music/orchestra-instruments

Also feel free to reach out to Mr. Gonzalez at jrgonzalez@prosper-isd.net or Mrs. Quin at esquin@prosper-isd.net with any questions!