Student and Parent Handbook
2008-2009
Open the Student and Parent Handbook as a .pdf file to print it out this page.
Welcome to the Early Bird String Academy. We look forward to an exciting year of music-making. You may find the following information helpful as you begin this new program.
What can you expect? The students will meet every Tuesday or Wednesday morning from 8:00-9:00 in Fellowship Hall. The calendar for our program follows the school calendar, when school is not in session, (for example religious holidays or spring break) we will not meet. On most days, the hour will contain a group lesson and a large-group (ensemble) experience. The lessons will cover such things as proper positioning and technical aspects of playing, note reading, and beginning music theory.
We are planning 2 in-class concerts for this year- one in the fall and one in the spring. Parents, family and friends are welcome. In addition to playing in the St. Peters' Christmas program and spring program (see attached calendar), we will have our own spring program.
How much does it cost? Tuition for the Early Bird String Academy is $175.00 per 18 week semester. The first semester is Sept. 9/10th,2008-January 20/21, 2009. The second is January 27/28th-June 2/3, 2009. Payment is due at the beginning of each semester and is non-refundable. (There is a 15% discount for a sibling if one child from a family is already enrolled in the program.) Unless other arrangements have been made, there will be a $5 per week late fee if payment has not been received by the start of the new semester. Many people find it helpful to rent an instrument until they know that their child is committed. We do not handle the rental of instruments, but we are happy to connect you with violin shops and stores who do.
Instrument resources
- All Strings Attached (763)542-9542 Golden Valley or (651)439-8899 Stillwater
- Eckroth Music (651)704-9654 White Bear Lake
Care of the Instrument and Bow: Each student has been given a sheet regarding the care of the instrument and bow. This should be on the inside of his/her music folder. Remember: never leave the instrument in a car that is too hot (the varnish will melt and ruin the tone as well as the value of the instrument). And please never let the instrument get too cold (it will crack.)
Early Bird String Academy Rules:
- Listen and follow directions the first time.
- Be on time.
- Bring instrument and materials to every class.
- Respect others.
- Respect your instrument.
- Respect the instruments of others.
We will have a lot to cover each time we meet, so promptness is important. We want to give your child the best musical education we can (in an hour that is sure to fly by), so we need your child to be ready to go right at 8:00. Parents are welcome to quietly observe class if it fits your schedule. This will help you assist your child with their practice at home.
Contact Information: Please call us with any questions or concerns you have:
"Help! ya know I need somebody,
Help! not just anybody,
Help!, ya know I need someone to
Please, please help me, help me, help me..."
The Beatles
- 651/777-9595 Ingrid Koller (primary instument violin and viola)
- 651/426-4377 Kathryn Christie (primary instrument violin)
- 651/779-8450 Janis Nash (primary instrument cello)
Some helpful practice tips:
Parents can:
- Encourage your child by giving concrete, postive feedback.. This is hard work.
- Help structure your childs' practice time.
- Help set practice goals.
- Provide privileges or incentives for achieving practice goals.
- Provide consequences when practice goals are not met.
- Support your childs' musical endeavors by telling them how much you like to hear them play.
- Choose a practice time and stick to it.
- Make practicing a priority. This is your homework too.
- Practice in a place where you will not be disturbed.
- Practice a little each day (this is way better than practicing a lot on the day before the lesson).
- Practice for progress - not minutes!
- Have fun. Spend some time playing whatever you want to. Just for fun.
We do not want practicing to become a big, huge issue between a parent and a child. This can make the whole experience of playing an instrument turn into a power struggle. Please call us if you need advice or extra help in this area. We want this to be a positive experience for your child!!!!
We will try to be very clear about what your child is to practice that week. We will try to email this information to you every week. If your child is not sure, please call us or have them call us.
Phone
- 651/777-9595 Ingrid Koller (primary instument violin and viola)
- 651/426-4377 Kathryn Christie (primary instrument violin)
- 651/779-8450 Janis Nash (primary instrument cello)
- (primary instrument violin and viola)
- (primary instrument violin)
- (primary instrument cello)
