Dear Parent or Guardian of a prospective Beginner Orchestra student,

Your child has the exciting opportunity to start lessons on a stringed instrument in school this year. Orchestra offers opportunities for artistic expression, making new friends, sharing their love of music in a cooperative environment, and learning how to strive for and achieve excellence. I'd be de- lighted to welcome them into the school Orchestra Program! Last June I demonstrated the stringed instruments and your child had a chance to try them all. Violin, Viola, and Cello are offered to all third, fourth, and fifth graders. String Bass is offered in fourth and fifth grade. Your child may also sing in Chorus this year- the Choral Director will distribute information soon. The few free school stringed instruments will be distributed through a random lottery system for all Beginners who return the permission slip on time. All re- maining beginners will need to rent their own instrument for the school year.

All Orchestra students need to purchase: 2 cakes of rosin in wood holder (for your specific instrument), labeled 1 labeled black 1” binder with bottom pocket for your book, decorated "fun"! 5 dividers 1 sharpened pencil 1 Rock Stop or rubber endpin (cellos only), labeled 1 Shoulder Pad (violins & violas only, for your instrument's size), labeled Name labels on your instrument case and book cover Sound Innovations Book 1 (white and blue) for your specific instrument (NOT IN STORES) You can ONLY purchase the Sound Innovations Book ONLINE at: http://www.alfred.com/SoundInnovations/Parents/FindBook.aspx. MAKE SURE IT SAYS "HAUPPAUGE ELEMENTARY ORCHESTRA" ON THE FRONT The approximate cost for these materials (without an instrument rental) is $40.00.

Your child will be responsible for any work they miss in their classroom while they are at their weekly 40-minute instrument lesson during school. Please consider this if they are already be- ing pulled out of class for other reasons. They will be expected to practice about 15 minutes every day at home to achieve success on their instrument. They will have Beginner Orchestra re- hearsals for one hour before school every week until our Spring Beginner’s Concert; please make sure you and your child can commit to one weekly before-school rehearsal and one lesson during school. If your child would honestly rather play a Band instrument (flute, clarinet, oboe, trum- pet, trombone, French horn, baritone horn, saxophone, tuba or drums) we recommend that they DO NOT start a stringed instrument this year and then quit; wait until Band starts in 4th grade and play the Band instrument they really want to learn. As a side note, left-handed kids may have more success on Band instruments such as flute, clarinet, oboe and saxophone, as well as pi- ano. To be entered into the free instrument lottery, please complete the Beginner Orchestra permis- sion slip below and return it to my school mailbox by MONDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 and I will send your budding musician a list of local supply stores, the lottery results (free instrument or rent one), and a calendar with their lesson days and times. I am very pleased to welcome your child into the orchestra! If you have questions please email me at [email protected] . or visit my website: mrsgatto.webs.com. I look forward to an exciting year of making wonderful music with your child! Sincerely, Mrs. Timerie Gatto BW & FB Orchestras ------MRS. TIMERIE GATTO’S BEGINNER ORCHESTRA PERMISSION SLIP

RETURN TO MY MAILBOX BY MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 TO ENTER THE FREE INSTRUMENT LOTTERY

I give my child ______in class______permission to study the: (please PRINT child's name clearly)

VIOLIN VIOLA CELLO has the “headache string” makes your teeth buzz can play Jaws sounds the highest sounds middle sounds the low- est

(Please circle ONE choice above)

______Parent Signature PRINT Parent’s email for schedules & information- NO SPAM, I promise!