5th Graders
Why Join
Orchestra?
The Tejeda Orchestra is like a big family. The friends you make and the experiences you have will help you achieve your potential in middle school. Plus, your friends will be with you through middle school and into high school.
Strings instruments are bowed. The coordination learned from fingering with the left hand and bowing with the right are contrary-motion skills that will help you throughout your life. Hand/eye coordination from music reading adds a third dimension to your skill set.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Elective Choices in the 6th grade:
*6th grade students may choose TWO electives.*Athletics are NOT offered in the sixth grade, however Orchestra is offered starting in 6th grade. When the students reach 7th grade they can take both Athletics AND Orchestra.
Tejeda Orchestra students are equally involved in all athletics throughout the year without conflicts.
*Orchestra does not conflict with other middle school activities such as athletics.
*Orchestra students are often involved in other electives such as theatre, choir, band, and hospitality.
Orchestra?
The Tejeda Orchestra is like a big family. The friends you make and the experiences you have will help you achieve your potential in middle school. Plus, your friends will be with you through middle school and into high school.
Strings instruments are bowed. The coordination learned from fingering with the left hand and bowing with the right are contrary-motion skills that will help you throughout your life. Hand/eye coordination from music reading adds a third dimension to your skill set.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Elective Choices in the 6th grade:
*6th grade students may choose TWO electives.*Athletics are NOT offered in the sixth grade, however Orchestra is offered starting in 6th grade. When the students reach 7th grade they can take both Athletics AND Orchestra.
Tejeda Orchestra students are equally involved in all athletics throughout the year without conflicts.
*Orchestra does not conflict with other middle school activities such as athletics.
*Orchestra students are often involved in other electives such as theatre, choir, band, and hospitality.
What do you want to play?
VIOLIN
More great music has been written for the violin than any other school instrument. Whether you want to “fiddle” or solo, the violin will take you were you want to go!
VIOLA
The beautiful tone of the viola has attracted students for hundreds of years. It is just slightly bigger than the violin but with a richer, deeper sound.
CELLO
There’s always room for cello! The great cellist Yo Yo Ma, performs for audiences all over the world. He started playing cello at age 4. You have probably heard him play on the movie soundtrack to “Shrek”.
BASS
Bass rocks! Did you know that the bass is the most versatile instrument? You can play the bass in the orchestra, jazz band, and rock band. Cool, huh? Also, the string bass is the heart of the orchestra and you can't live without your heart!
More great music has been written for the violin than any other school instrument. Whether you want to “fiddle” or solo, the violin will take you were you want to go!
VIOLA
The beautiful tone of the viola has attracted students for hundreds of years. It is just slightly bigger than the violin but with a richer, deeper sound.
CELLO
There’s always room for cello! The great cellist Yo Yo Ma, performs for audiences all over the world. He started playing cello at age 4. You have probably heard him play on the movie soundtrack to “Shrek”.
BASS
Bass rocks! Did you know that the bass is the most versatile instrument? You can play the bass in the orchestra, jazz band, and rock band. Cool, huh? Also, the string bass is the heart of the orchestra and you can't live without your heart!
Questions and Answers
Q: What instruments are in the orchestra?
A: The orchestra is composed of stringed instruments such as violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Q: I play the piano, is that a good thing?
A: YES! Actually, if you have music experience you would be great in the orchestra program. Not only would it be easy for you to learn your new instrument, but you will have opportunities to perform on the piano with the orchestra or as a soloist.
Q: Is string double bass the same as an electric bass?
A: Yes it is! In fact, the string bass and electric bass have the same strings and note names. The only difference is that an electric bass has frets and you hold it horizontally, while the string bass is played sitting or standing vertically, or upright.
Q: Do I need any kind of musical experience to play in the Beginning Orchestra at Tejeda MS?
A: No way! Ms. Trevino will teach you everything you need to know, from reading notes and rhythms to playing the instrument while plucking and with the bow!
Q: Why should I choose to be in orchestra in the 6th grade and not another elective?
A: Great question! Stringed instruments are played with a bow (the long wooden stick thing). The bow is our special voice and we can play lots of cool techniques with it. Starting orchestra in the sixth grade will better prepare you for all the fun and cool pieces you want to play later. If you know you want to play an instrument, play in the orchestra your sixth grade year and then in seventh grade, you can choose another elective to add.
Q: Does the orchestra participate in fun activities outside of school?
A: We sure do!!! Ms. Trevino loves to reward the orchestras by taking them to various performances such as Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo, and the Directors Choice Music Festival. She will also organize social nights at school where she buys everyone pizza and snacks and provide fun activities like board games. Next year, we will also include a social night at Main Event.
Q: I am involved in lots of activities outside of school and I don't think I will have time to practice, what should I do?
A: Well, practice time is important. But let me explain it like this...it doesn't matter what elective you choose, you will need to put in some homework time for every class, right? No freebie classes at Tejeda Middle School!
Q: I'm pretty small right now. How can I possibly play those instruments?
A: Another great question! Actually, orchestra instruments are perfect for young students because they are made of wood and can fit any size person. They make small versions of every instrument so you don't have to worry about orchestra instruments being too big. As you grow, you can get your instrument exchanged for a bigger one. cool, huh?
A: The orchestra is composed of stringed instruments such as violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Q: I play the piano, is that a good thing?
A: YES! Actually, if you have music experience you would be great in the orchestra program. Not only would it be easy for you to learn your new instrument, but you will have opportunities to perform on the piano with the orchestra or as a soloist.
Q: Is string double bass the same as an electric bass?
A: Yes it is! In fact, the string bass and electric bass have the same strings and note names. The only difference is that an electric bass has frets and you hold it horizontally, while the string bass is played sitting or standing vertically, or upright.
Q: Do I need any kind of musical experience to play in the Beginning Orchestra at Tejeda MS?
A: No way! Ms. Trevino will teach you everything you need to know, from reading notes and rhythms to playing the instrument while plucking and with the bow!
Q: Why should I choose to be in orchestra in the 6th grade and not another elective?
A: Great question! Stringed instruments are played with a bow (the long wooden stick thing). The bow is our special voice and we can play lots of cool techniques with it. Starting orchestra in the sixth grade will better prepare you for all the fun and cool pieces you want to play later. If you know you want to play an instrument, play in the orchestra your sixth grade year and then in seventh grade, you can choose another elective to add.
Q: Does the orchestra participate in fun activities outside of school?
A: We sure do!!! Ms. Trevino loves to reward the orchestras by taking them to various performances such as Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo, and the Directors Choice Music Festival. She will also organize social nights at school where she buys everyone pizza and snacks and provide fun activities like board games. Next year, we will also include a social night at Main Event.
Q: I am involved in lots of activities outside of school and I don't think I will have time to practice, what should I do?
A: Well, practice time is important. But let me explain it like this...it doesn't matter what elective you choose, you will need to put in some homework time for every class, right? No freebie classes at Tejeda Middle School!
Q: I'm pretty small right now. How can I possibly play those instruments?
A: Another great question! Actually, orchestra instruments are perfect for young students because they are made of wood and can fit any size person. They make small versions of every instrument so you don't have to worry about orchestra instruments being too big. As you grow, you can get your instrument exchanged for a bigger one. cool, huh?