Vandeventer Middle School Orchestra
5th Grade Parent Information
Welcome, Future Orchestra Families!
Please see the presentation about the VMS Orchestra below:
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How to join the Vandeventer Orchestra,
select an instrument, instrument sizing, and rent an instrument:
Join Orchestra, Instrument Selection, Sizing, and Rental Guidance
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Please also plan to attend the following event:
Vandeventer Orchestra Instrument Selection Night
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TBD 2026
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4:45-7:00 PM
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Location: Vandeventer Cafeteria
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Music professionals will assist students with selecting an instrument and sizing students for rentals.
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If you already play an instrument, you are not required to attend the sizing event unless you would like to play the other instruments and meet the directors! You should reference the audition information requirements below and begin working on these with your private teacher to submit over the summer for next year’s orchestra placement.
Non-Beginner (Advanced 6th Grade) Audition Information
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Why Orchestra?
Great Music: You won’t believe all the music you’ll play! Everyone talks about how much they like to listen to music, but it is 100 times more fun to play it!
Friends: You will find great friends in orchestra. Most orchestra students are not only involved in music; they enjoy sports, theater, art, cheerleading, and many other interesting hobbies. This will be a unique, outstanding group with which you can work and play throughout the school years.
Pride: You will learn to play incredibly well, everyone will want to hear you play and our concerts will be fantastic! Your first concert will be in October, and later in the year you will get a chance to enter a solo contest and win a medal. In 7th and 8th grade, we have UIL Concert & Sightreading where we have a chance to bring home a trophy!
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Middle School Elective Information
Elective Choices in the 6th grade:
-6th-grade students may choose only ONE elective. This elective meets every day, so make sure you choose one you're excited for!
-Athletics and Cheerleading are NOT offered in the sixth grade, however, Orchestra IS offered to start in 6th grade. When the students reach 7th grade, they can take both athletics AND Orchestra.
-Many orchestra students are involved in athletics throughout the year.
Orchestra Instruments
Introduction to the String Instrument family by Baylor University:
The Strings- 74th Annual Children's Concert Series
VIOLIN
More great music has been written for the violin than any other school instrument. Whether you want to “fiddle” or solo, the violin will take you where you want to go! Check out these cool clips:
-Viva La Vida on Violin
-Beauty and the Beast on Violin
VIOLA
The beautiful tone of the viola has attracted students for hundreds of years. It is just slightly bigger than the violin, but with a richer, deeper sound. Check out these cool clips:
-Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations on Viola
-Spirited Away Viola Cover on Viola
CELLO
There’s always room for cello! The great cellist Yo-Yo Ma, performs for audiences all over the world. He started playing the cello at age four. You have probably heard him play on the movie soundtrack to “Shrek”.
- Sia's Cheap Thrill's Trio Cover-Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach Cello Suite #1
-Yo-Yo Ma Performs "The Swan"
-Young Cellist Discusses Her Love of Cello Playing
BASS
Bass is really cool! Did you know that the bass is the most versatile instrument? You can play the bass in an orchestra, jazz, and rock bands. Cool, huh? The bass is the heart of the orchestra and you can't live without your heart!
-Pagini Caprice No. 24 performed by Catalin Rotaru
-Bach Cello Suite No. 1, I. Prelude - Jeff Bradetich
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: I heard that private lessons are a great way for my child to get ahead, is this true?
A: Taking lessons from high-quality private lesson instructors and thoughtful practicing is the best way to progress quickly on any instrument. Please see the Private Lesson page for more regarding private lesson instruction.
Q: I play the piano, is that a good thing?
A: If you have prior music experience and training, you will be great in the orchestra program! We will build on the foundation and knowledge you already have.
Q: Do I need any kind of musical experience to play in the 6th-grade orchestra at VMS?
A: We will teach you from the beginning basic up to preparation for high school. What you learned in Elementary Music Class will give you a great foundation for Orchestra! Private lessons are always a great way to get ahead if you are eager and want to be advanced!
Q: Why should I choose to be in orchestra in the 6th grade and not another elective?
A: Students must start in the orchestra in 6th grade to participate in the orchestra program in middle school and high school. It is a unique opportunity and many studies show the benefit of playing stringed instruments. We also have a lot of fun!
Q: Does the orchestra participate in fun activities outside of school?
A: Directors organize fun events like movie nights, game nights, and other fun socials to reward the orchestras for their hard work throughout the year.
Q: I am involved in lots of activities outside of school and I don't think I will have time to practice, what should I do?
A: Practice time is essential for your growth as a musician. We have many students that participate in sports, cheer, NJHS, etc. in addition to being in the orchestra. It doesn't matter which elective you choose, you will need to put in some time for every class. Choose orchestra because you are interested in learning a string instrument, and having fun!
Q: I'm pretty small right now. How can I possibly play those instruments?
A: Orchestra instruments are perfect for young students because they are made of wood and can fit any size person. They make small versions of every orchestra instrument so you don't have to worry about orchestra instruments being too big. As you grow, you can get your instrument exchanged for a bigger one with no added expense!
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