Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for strings?
ANY STUDENT in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade can join strings! Even if you have not played before, I'd love to have you!
I did not start strings in 3rd grade. Can I still join?
Yes! I am happy to accept beginners at any grade level.
I participated in strings lasts year. Do I still need to sign up?
Yes! You'll need to fill out the form every year.
What instruments can I choose?
You may choose to study Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass.
What classes will I be pulled from to attend strings?
Strings in a PULL OUT PROGRAM. This means that strings students leave their normally scheduled class in order to attend. However, strings will occur on a rotating basis to ensure student's do not miss a considerable amount of time in any other classes.
Will there be performances this year?
We intend to have concerts this year and are working to find the safest way possible to make music together!
Will there be GT Orchestra this year?
Everything you need to know can be found HERE!
Where can I find a private teacher?
The below link to a list of private teachers sanctioned by the HCPSS Fine Arts Office and can be found on the Howard County Parents for School Music website.
Click Here to View the List!
How can I purchase Essential Elements Book 1?
The method book can be purchased at any Music store or online! Be sure to get the correct book for your instrument and make sure it is Book 1. The book looks like this:
What is the Howard County Elementary GT Orchestra and how can I participate?
During a typical year, any student enrolled in their school strings program are eligible to audition for the GT ensembles. Ms. Thompson will provide information about these auditions as they become available.
Should I rent or buy an instrument?
At this point in your child's education, I highly recommend renting or taking advantage of a rent-to-own program with the option to trade-in to size up. Visit this page for a list of music stores to rent an instrument!
NOTE: I strongly recommend that you do not buy an instrument online. Instruments through Costco, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, and Amazon are not up to the quality that your child will need. They are inexpensive for a reason and not worth your money due to the cost of upkeep due to low quality.
How do I know what size instrument to get?
String instruments come is various sizes to fit the player. A music store can help you find the correct size, or you can reference this chart to size yourself at home!
I feel that I am more advanced than the others in my class group. Can I change groups?
Let Ms. Thompson know! For certain instruments and grades, there may be flexibility in the schedule.
How much do I need to practice?
We will not have practice charts this year. That being said, frequent practice is still important. There will be frequent playing checks as well as practice assignments that will be graded. I will not assign a specific amount of practice time per day. Students will be expected to regulate practice based on the principle that the quality and frequency of practice is more important than the quantity.
Tips for effective practice:
-Try playing something new (5-10 minutes)
-Play something familiar/fun all the way through (5-10 minutes)
ANY STUDENT in the 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade can join strings! Even if you have not played before, I'd love to have you!
I did not start strings in 3rd grade. Can I still join?
Yes! I am happy to accept beginners at any grade level.
I participated in strings lasts year. Do I still need to sign up?
Yes! You'll need to fill out the form every year.
What instruments can I choose?
You may choose to study Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass.
What classes will I be pulled from to attend strings?
Strings in a PULL OUT PROGRAM. This means that strings students leave their normally scheduled class in order to attend. However, strings will occur on a rotating basis to ensure student's do not miss a considerable amount of time in any other classes.
Will there be performances this year?
We intend to have concerts this year and are working to find the safest way possible to make music together!
Will there be GT Orchestra this year?
Everything you need to know can be found HERE!
Where can I find a private teacher?
The below link to a list of private teachers sanctioned by the HCPSS Fine Arts Office and can be found on the Howard County Parents for School Music website.
Click Here to View the List!
How can I purchase Essential Elements Book 1?
The method book can be purchased at any Music store or online! Be sure to get the correct book for your instrument and make sure it is Book 1. The book looks like this:
What is the Howard County Elementary GT Orchestra and how can I participate?
During a typical year, any student enrolled in their school strings program are eligible to audition for the GT ensembles. Ms. Thompson will provide information about these auditions as they become available.
Should I rent or buy an instrument?
At this point in your child's education, I highly recommend renting or taking advantage of a rent-to-own program with the option to trade-in to size up. Visit this page for a list of music stores to rent an instrument!
NOTE: I strongly recommend that you do not buy an instrument online. Instruments through Costco, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, and Amazon are not up to the quality that your child will need. They are inexpensive for a reason and not worth your money due to the cost of upkeep due to low quality.
How do I know what size instrument to get?
String instruments come is various sizes to fit the player. A music store can help you find the correct size, or you can reference this chart to size yourself at home!
I feel that I am more advanced than the others in my class group. Can I change groups?
Let Ms. Thompson know! For certain instruments and grades, there may be flexibility in the schedule.
How much do I need to practice?
We will not have practice charts this year. That being said, frequent practice is still important. There will be frequent playing checks as well as practice assignments that will be graded. I will not assign a specific amount of practice time per day. Students will be expected to regulate practice based on the principle that the quality and frequency of practice is more important than the quantity.
Tips for effective practice:
- Schedule regular times to practice that best fits your schedule. As long as you have the required amount of practice time done each week, it doesn’t matter how many days each week you practice. Practicing more than the required amount is always encouraged!
- Take good care of your instrument. If you have any concerns, always come to Ms. Thompson first.
- Isolate the problem spots and work these out. Do not just start at the beginning every time.
- Identify the problem and come up with a plan to correct it. If it’s a note problem, play left hand only. If it’s a rhythmic problem, try counting and clapping it or performing it on an open string.
- Focus on new material. Use your favorite piece as a warm-up or a fun way to end your practice.
- Practice your music in short chunks.
- SLOW IT DOWN!!! You can’t play a hard passage fast until you have mastered it at a slower tempo.
- Have fun!!! It if starts to drag down, stop and take a break. Never let yourself get defeated!
- A general breakdown of a practice session should be as follows:
-Try playing something new (5-10 minutes)
-Play something familiar/fun all the way through (5-10 minutes)