Elementary Strings & Orchestra

Photo of children with violas

LOSD Elementary String Program 2019-2020

  • Begin your journey on the Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass in the LOSD Elementary String Program!

    Beginning Strings is offered after school for interested students in grades 4 and 5 who have no previous playing experience on Violin, Viola, Cello, or Upright String Bass.

    • No prior knowledge of music reading skills is required
    • Classes will be held after the regular elementary school day at Lake Oswego Junior High School (portables)
    • Bus transportation: students will be bused from their respective elementary schools to the string class location. Parent pickup and Community Schools Extended Care are options at the end of class.

    Details

    • Fee: $270 for the entire year.
    • Classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 17th, 2019.
    • Classes are held 3 days a week: Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:15-4:15 pm and Thursday from 2:30-3:30 pm due to early release.
    • LOSD Strings YouTube Channel

    Continuing Elementary Orchestra is offered after school for those in grades 4 and 5 who have at least one year of previous playing experience on Violin, Viola, Cello, or Upright String Bass and will continue to play that same instrument in the Elementary Orchestra.

    Students that are ready to play in the Elementary Orchestra would include those who: 

    • have completed Beginning Strings on the instrument they will play in Elementary Orchestra
    • or have taken private lessons on the instrument for at least one year
    • or have previously been in Elementary Orchestra 

    Details

    • Classes will be held after the regular elementary school day at Lake Oswego Junior High School (portables)
    • Fee: $380 for the entire year.
    • Classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 10th, 2019.
    • Classes are held Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:15 - 4:15 pm and Thursday from 2:30-3:30 pm due to early release.

    All Groups

    • Classes will meet all three days (T, W, Th). Students should expect to attend all classes and practice outside of class to maintain their skills and stay caught up with lessons.
    • Students are expected to secure a rental instrument before the first day of classes. The most ideal time to find a rental is between late July and early August. Please check out the Rental Tips sheet to find a great local store and advice on what to ask and how to get all the supplies you need for class.
    • The last day of string classes for the 2019-2020 school year will be Thursday, May 28, 2020.

    Transportation

    • Students will be bused from their respective elementary schools to Lake Oswego Junior High. Parent pickup and community schools aftercare are options at the end of class.
    • Bus transportation is provided from the String Class location to Extended Care at Palisades for south-side Extended Care and Lake Grove Elementary for north-side schools.
    • These buses will depart at 4:25 pm on Tuesdays/Wednesdays, and 3:40 pm on Thursdays. Students that are not picked up by 4:25 on T/W or 3:40 on Th will be bussed to Extended Care.
     
    Calendar Dates
    • Tues. Sept. 10: Elementary Orchestra begins
    • Tues. Sept. 17: Beginning Strings begins
    • Wed. Nov. 6: Fall Concert in the LOJ Gym.  Report at 6:30 p.m., Concert begins at 7 p.m.
    • Thur. Nov. 7: No strings classes
    • Wed. March 18: All-District String Fest at Lakeridge High School Gymnasium.  Report at 6:30 p.m., Concert begins at 7 p.m.
    • Thur. March 19: No strings classes
    • May 20: Spring Concert in the LOJ Gym. Report at 6:30 p.m., Concert begins at 7 p.m.
    • May 21: No strings class
    • May 28: Last day of class

    Important Notes 

    Selecting an instrument: Is your student unsure what instrument to select?  

    Obtaining an instrument and bring it on the first day of class!

    • Your child's success on an instrument is affected by the quality of the instrument. By renting an instrument, you can obtain a higher quality instrument in fractional sizes.  Rental programs should also include insurance and repair.  Shop around and ask for specifics.
    • Visit with local specialists to compare quality and rental programs. This would be a fun summer activity, and if your child is part of the discussion of the financial commitment, they are more likely to care for it and practice more as well. :-)
    • Connect with metro area music stores in June to reserve an instrument rental for your child. Don't delay!  Stores may not have instruments in stock if you wait until August.
    • Bring your child to the store with you for sizing. We encourage you to call first to make sure someone skilled is available at your visit.
    • Bring your instrument to the first day of class! :-)

     Community Schools Registration help

    Elementary Strings Teachers

     Elementary Strings Coordinators