 About our Program
Anglophone South School District provides the opportunity for any student to study the violin starting in grade 3. Older students are welcome to attend. Younger students may start but will require parental supervision of practice and attendance at lessons.For some students the experience will be short-lived. Others will continue right through to grade 12 and become accomplished musicians. Even limited exposure is valuable, as studying a musical instrument has many proven benefits for children. (Click here to read more.)Parents who would like to learn alongside their child are welcome to join in the classes.Students who wish to play the cello, viola or double bass are invited to try those instruments after proving that they are self-motivated.WARNING: Playing the violin is lots of fun, but it is also hard work. Behind every successful young musician is an enthusiastic parent who helps the child to find good practice times within their personal schedule. Sometimes it takes a gentle nudge to make sure that the practice takes place - at least five times per week for 20 minutes at first, and then later for 30 minutes to an hour at the higher levels. Parents and students often misunderstand the concept of "talent". Talent is 90% hard work! No practice = No progress.Acquiring an instrument - Parents are asked to provide a violin for their child. There are several businesses in the area that rent or sell violins (such as this one and this one). The string program has a small number of school instruments available for use by children who otherwise could not participate.Instrument size - Each child is measured for the correct size instrument. As they grow, they will need to trade up in size.
Annual registration and user fees - Each string student pays a small annual registration fee to cover the cost of books, rosin, strings, etc. In addition, if a student is using a school instrument, a modest user fee is charged to defray repair costs.
Playing levelsBeginner - Learning to hold the violin and bow properly. Students play simple pieces, first using charts and then written music.Advanced Beginner - Simple pieces and easy fiddle tunes using written music. Royal Conservatory Preparatory level.Level 1 to Level 10 - Corresponds approximately to the Royal Conservatory Grade 1-10 violin exam levels. Suzuki books 1-8, classical music, fiddle tunes, seasonal music, jazz, etc.Orchestra Levels and ScheduleOrchestra is a crucial component in the training of young musicians.Junior Orchestra (Advanced Beginner to Level 1) - Meets at Havelock School on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.Intermediate Orchestra (Level 2 and 3) - Meets at Havelock School on Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:15 pm.Senior Orchestra (Level 4 and up) - Meets at Saint John High School on Fridays from 4:00 to 5:30 pm.Structure of the ProgramFirst year - 1 x 45 minute after school class for all beginners at Havelock School (Thursdays at 6:15 pm). Where possible (depending upon enrollment), students will also receive 1 x 30 minute lesson during the school day. Currently, in-school beginner violin lessons are taught at the following Schools: Island View School, Millidgeville North School, and Princess Elizabeth School.Second year - Begins with the same schedule as first year. At some point during the year, the 30 minute in-school lesson becomes a 40 minute lesson, plus an after-school orchestra rehearsal is added at Havelock School. The 45 minute after school beginner class at Havelock School remains.Subsequent years - 1 x 40 minute lesson either in-school or after-school plus one orchestra rehearsal after school.Please try to arrive at each practice a few minutes early in order to have your instrument tuned.Violin classes follow the school schedule for Anglophone South School District, and also any school cancellations due to bad weather.All beginner students are asked to attend the Thursday after-school classes at Havelock School starting on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015 from 6:15 to 7:00 pm. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|