Welcome to Orchestra!

What: St. John’s Lutheran School is proud to be offering an orchestra class to its students for the 2009-2010 school year. There will be three different classes, a beginning, an intermediate and an advanced class. Students who have no experience, but would like to learn to play the violin, viola or cello can sign up for the beginning class. Those students who do have experience playing the violin, viola or cello can sign up for one of the other classes. Please contact Chris Plasencia to have your child play for her so we know which class is appropriate. This is a great opportunity for beginning students to learn to play a string instrument in a group setting, and provides those who are already studying a string instrument with valuable ensemble experience.

Who: Students in grades 3-8 are welcome to sign up for orchestra. Those younger than grade 3, with previous playing experience, will be considered by the teacher. Students are encouraged to sign up even if they are currently playing in the band or taking private lessons. This will not conflict, but will ENHANCE their musical experience. All students must keep up class work to participate.

When: After school on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in September of 2009. Classes meet whenever school is in session. There are no classes during the breaks throughout the year.

Where: All classes will meet at St. John’s Lutheran School in the Church nursery.

Why: Recent studies have indicated increased benefits in learning ability when a child learns to play an instrument. Making music involves listening to and playing with others; organized thinking skills, and it enhances your child’s educational experience through creative self-expression, emotional release and satisfaction, discipline of achievement, and cooperating and performing with fellow students.

Instructor: The orchestra instructor, Chris Plasencia (Miss Chris), graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in violin performance. She has taught violin, viola, cello and piano lessons for the past 25 years. This is her second year teaching at St. John’s. She has taught privately at Musician’s Boulevard in Thousand Oaks for the past ten years. She has performed in symphonies and quartets for the past ten years. She also teaches violin at the Juvenile Facility in Oxnard. Her positive attitude and enthusiasm for teaching music makes her classroom environment both educational and fun.

Instruments and Materials: Parents are responsible for providing instruments and books. In the fall Musicians Boulevard will be hosting a Rental Day where students can rent their instruments and purchase books and accessories.

Fees: Cost per student is $50.00 per month. Checks are made payable to Chris Plasencia. All payments can be turned into the school office.