Join the Orchestra

So you are thinking about joining orchestra? Were thrilled to have you!!!! Joining orchestra can be confusing at first, so we're here to help you through the process! Follow the steps below and you'll be ready to go!

STEP 1 – Sign up for Orchestra as your first elective choice when choosing your courses

This is the most important step and the easiest to make. When you place Orchestra as your first elective choice, this ensures that you will have a spot in the beginning orchestra class. If you didn’t enroll in the beginning orchestra class, don't worry! You can attend an Instrument Showcase/Sizing event (see step 2) and change your schedule later on. There is no need to decide what instrument you are playing, yet… that comes next.

Want a head start of what you want to try before the Instrument Selection Event? Click Here!!!

STEP 2 – Attend a “Orchestra Showcase/Sizing” Event

Get ready for a fun time!!! This is the time that the student sits down with a orchestra director and is able to try any instrument that they want to. During this session, the assigned orchestra director(s) guide the student through the string instruments and make suggestions based on finger dexterity, face and teeth structure, grades, and experience. By the end of this short session, the student will walk away in most instances knowing what instrument is the best fit for them. If the student is interested in percussion, there will be a separate assessment date due to the large amount of interest.

Click here for more information about event times and dates. 

STEP 3 – Attend the Beginning Orchestra Parent Night & Instrument Drive

This important event will serve two purposes. The first is to offer information to the parents/guardians of all students signed up for a Rogers Beginning Orchestra Class. We will discuss the schedule, supplies, expectations and what to expect throughout the year (events, concerts, contests, etc.). The second purpose is to provide parents the opportunity to speak with various recommended music store vendors concerning instrument rental and supplies. When working with a recommended vendor, they will have our supply list and be able to offer package deals at competitive prices.

STEP 4 – Rent/Purchase the instrument and supplies

We highly recommend that parents choose to sign up for a rent-to-own program through our recommended vendors for the first year. This will help ensure that the student is responsible and dedicated to their chosen instrument before an instrument is purchased. Music Stores will also offer instrument repair supplements to cover the costs of any repairs needed while being rented. We highly encourage to take advantage of this during the student’s first year, as they are not only learning how to play the instrument but also how to take care of the instrument. Accidents occur which can be costly!

Click here for the recommended supply and instrument list

STEP 5 – Show up to Orchestra Class

You're all set! Instruments will arrive at the school and be sent home when ready, all that's left is to focus on having fun, leading to play an instrument, and enjoying all of the incredible things that Orchestra has to offer!

Click here for the class schedule

Have Some More Questions? Feel free to contact the orchestra directors directly.