Dear String Parents,

By now, the Junior Strings, Concert String and Senior String students are starting to get back into routine with Ensemble rehearsals recommencing this week as well as tutorials for all our existing students.

Welcome new Training String students, you will have now been starting group tutorials this week and hopefully learning how to hold the bow and instrument. Parents, please print out the care for your instruments and sign with your child and bring to next week’s tutorial classes. These are located in the Parent portal.

Training String Ensemble rehearsals commence in Term 2. This starts in Term 2, so the students will have learnt the basics of caring for their instrument, posture and being able to play before any ensemble rehearsal commences.

Update your child’s class details

Now that classes have been confirmed, please UPDATE your child’s class details on the parent portal. https://portal.msmusic.com.au/artarmonmusic

FAQs

Does my child need to have an instrument lesson every week?

Yes.

Every child in the strings program (and band program) has an instrument lesson every week. This is a requirement of the program.

Year 3 and all Training Strings – these children have small group tutorials, usually 3 or 4 students in the same room with the same teacher at the same time every week. Here they will learn scales, technique, note-reading, and small pieces.

Year 4 or higher ensembles – these students attend one-on-one, or private, lessons with one teacher. They will continue scales and exercises, and maybe plan for AMEB exams.

Ensembles – in addition to the lessons above, all students attend their regular larger groups that we call ensembles once a week. These times are listed below. These have about 30 children in them and they all learn the same piece, often in preparation for a performance throughout the year. Attendance at ensembles is compulsory. Mr Mansukhani is the conductor for all ensembles.

Does my child need to bring their instrument?

Yes, if you have either hired, have your own, you must bring your instrument to practice during group tutorials and ensemble rehearsals. This is also a good way for the tutors to check the instruments and tune them on a regular basis to keep the instrument at its best condition.

Does the instrument lesson need to be at Artarmon Public School?

No. You are welcome to go to instrument lessons with a tutor outside of the school, and some people prefer this if they want lessons after school. But your tutor will need to write a report twice a year.

CREATIVE KIDS – claim and volunteer

In 2021 the NSW Government will continue to contribute a $100 Creative Kids rebate for NSW residents. The Artarmon P&C is currently registered as a Creative Kids provider for the band and strings programs.

In order to offer this rebate to Band and Strings families in 2021, we need a volunteer to work with the continuing volunteer to administer this process.

Together, the volunteers will processes the Creative Kids vouchers with Service NSW, communicates with parents regarding any issues and records voucher payments received against Band and String invoices.

This process is busiest in Term 1, with a little bit of finishing up in Term 2 and then done for the year!  The vast majority of the volunteering can be done in your own time on your own computer.

If this interests you, or you would like more details, please contact Kali at the band email (band@artarmonpandc.org.au).

Ensemble rehearsals:

         Training Strings:                 Tuesdays lunchtime STARTS TERM 2

         Junior Strings:                     7:45 for 750am start -8:45am Tuesdays, school hall

         Concert Strings:                  7:45 for 750am start -8:45am Thursdays, school hall

         Senior Strings:                    3-4pm Tuesdays, music room

Volunteer roles

We are still looking to fill some roles for the committee. See the following list for vacancies. Seriously consider joining – it’s a fun group and a great way to be involved in your child’s musical development.

Committee Positions

Creative Vouchers Coordinator in training– vacant

Events officer- vacant

Orchestra coordinator – vacant

Music camp coordinator (s) – vacant

Play-a thon coordinator (s) - vacant

If you are interested in volunteering for one of these roles or would like more information, please email strings.artarmonpandc@gmail.com

THANK YOU!

2021 Strings Committee