🎻 Shorewood Elementary Orchestra
September - October 2026
Dear Orchestra Families,
Lessons are off to a great start. It has been delightful sharing new instruments, new music, and new performance ideas with students. Make sure to see the curriculum summaries below for more information about what our focus will be in each grade level at different times of the school year!
🎵 4th Grade Orchestra Curriculum Summary: https://bit.ly/3N1Uyug
🎻 5th Grade Orchestra Curriculum Summary: https://bit.ly/3TIyjgW
🎶 6th Grade Orchestra Curriculum Summary: https://bit.ly/3XGdMKT
This newsletter will come home bi-monthly via email and the Principal weekly updates. Please contact me via e-mail if you have any questions. Please take a moment to read the entire newsletter carefully as there is a lot of IMPORTANT information below.
MATERIALS NEEDED for Lessons:
- Orchestra Folder with Music from Mrs. Nolan
- Essential Elements Bk. 1 (4th Grade/Beginners)
- All Students - Rosin and a soft cloth to clean the instrument after practicing.
- A music stand is helpful for home practice so students can see their music while maintaining
proper posture.
- Violin and Viola Players - Should purchase a shoulder rest at a music store, or use the sponge provided by Mrs. Nolan.
- Cello and Bass players - Should purchase a rock stop at a music store.
ALL STUDENTS: PLEASE PUT LESSON DAY ON YOUR FAMILY CALENDAR!
The Morning of Lessons Please: Check the schedule in your classroom (sometimes schedule changes happen) for your lesson time. Leave your class with anyone from your lesson group 2 minutes before your lesson.
CHECK OUT THE ELEMENTARY ORCHESTRA WEBPAGE FOR LESSON SCHEDULES, INFORMATION & RESOURCES:
Under the Elementary Column you will find:
- Lesson Schedules
- Tuning Resources
- Handbook
- Performance Schedule
- Mentor Program Link
2026-2027 Orchestra T-SHIRT Size Form
2026-2027 Orchestra T-SHIRT Size Form - Orchestra T-Shirts are $15
- T-shirts will be worn at the WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17th ORCHESTRA ASSEMBLY CONCERT , the 6th Grade community concert, and other dates to be announced!
- The fee includes a pizza party after the District Orchestra Festival
- Payment needs to be made through Infinite Campus by Friday, October 31st.
- Link to order form:https://bit.ly/4d1nsIn
Practice helps achieve our goals!
Establish a place for regular practice free from distraction. Violin, viola, and bass players should stand when practicing; cellists should use chairs without armrests. Arrange a safe place to store the instrument at home, away from extreme temperatures. Teach other family members not to handle
or try to play the instrument. Students at this time of year should aim for the following practice
schedule:
- 4th graders should practice daily at least 5-10 minutes.
- 5th graders 10-15 minutes a minimum of four times each week.
- 6th graders 15-20 minutes a minimum of four times each week.
A little practice every day is much more ideal than a lot of practice one day each week.
"Only Practice on the Days you Eat." Sinchi Suzuki
Conferences will focus on families learning to help their students tune their instrument, and planning for practice time at home.
Thursday, October 15th
1:00 – 5:00 PM Atwater, room 112,
6:00 – 7:30 PM Lake Bluff, room 207
Friday, October 16th
8:15-11:00 AM: Lake Bluff, room 207
Orchestra Mentor Program!
Are you looking for a little extra help for your student?
The orchestra mentor program is an excellent opportunity for elementary students to enhance their
practice by having private lessons with a high school or middle school orchestra student.
The cost of a weekly 30 minute lesson with an SIS or SHS student will be $10.00 or $15.00.
Lessons are held in person.
Most lessons are taught at the home of the student or teacher, determined between the two of
you. Please note these lessons cannot be held at school due to liability and supervision issues.
Please fill out this Google Form to participate in the mentor program:
After completing the form you will be contacted by Mrs. Nolan via email with information to
connect with your mentor. Please keep in touch throughout the year regarding your mentor program experience!