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Orchestra Supplies and F.A.Q.

Hi DES Music Students and Families,

My name is Ms. Schaeffer, and I am the 3rd and 4th grade strings teacher! I am at Devon on every Day 6 of our 6-day cycle.

Please fill out this 2026-2027 Strings Registration Form for your student on the Orchestra Sign-Up page.

Thank you, and I look forward to another wonderful year of music-making together!

Best wishes,
Ms. Jordana Schaeffer
schaefferj@tesd.net
String Supplies
All can be purchased at local music stores
 
Violin/Viola:
  1. Essential Elements Book 1 for Strings (Violin or Viola)
  2. Rosin
  3. Shoulder rest
  4. Soft cotton cloth

Cello:

  1. Essential Elements Book 1 for Strings (Cello)
  2. Rosin
  3. Rock stop
  4. Soft cotton cloth

Orchestra F.A.Q. 

Now that my child is registered, how do I acquire an instrument?

A list of available music vendors is located on the music registration sheet. You may choose to rent or purchase an instrument from the vendor of your choice. Students will need to bring their instrument/book/supplies to their first lesson.

When do lessons begin?

Lessons will begin in September.

What lesson book are we using?

Strings: Grade 3 & 4 use the Essential Elements for Strings - Book 1 

How do I know what day/time my lesson is?

A monthly music calendar is generated to help students and parents track lessons. Your child will have their lesson on the same Cycle Day, not the day of the week. Lesson times rotate to ensure students do not miss the same special/flex core time repeatedly.

Paper calendar copies are distributed to the students in lessons. In addition, I will email a copy of the calendar to all parents who registered their email during sign-ups. 

How will I know what group I am in?

String instrument groups are indicated by a number and a letter. For example, if your child is a 3rd grader playing the violin, they may be in group 3A. If your child is a 4th grader playing the cello, they may be in group 4A.  

*Your child will be notified as to what instrument group they are in PRIOR to their first lesson. We suggest that students write their first and last name and their group name inside their lesson book. 

What is the difference between Lessons and Orchestra Rehearsals?

1. Lessons occur during the school day (We refer to them as String Lessons)

2. Orchestra rehearsals occur BEFORE the school day (8:15 AM). We refer to them as Encore Orchestra (2nd-year players), and Prelude Orchestra (1st-year players).

When do Full-Group Rehearsals begin?

1. Encore Orchestra (2nd-year players) begins in September

2. Prelude Orchestra (1st-year players) begins in January

How long should I be practicing?

Practice is essential to ensure success with an instrument. We recommend that students practice 4 days a week for 10-15 minutes each day. Students who are most successful practice regularly and have an established practice routine.