East Farms String Program Information and Registration Booklet 2019 - 2020 School Year

East Farms String Program
Information and Registration Booklet
          2019 - 2020 School Year

East Farms Suzuki String Program – 2019/2020
        East Farms students who will be entering the second, third, and fourth grade next year have
the opportunity to begin, or continue instruction on a stringed instrument. Students can choose to
play the violin, the viola, or the cello. This letter is intended to give parents information regarding the
string program and to make you aware of the requirements and benefits of enrollment. After reading
this information, students and parents should consider together the option of participating in the East
Farms String Program next year. If you decide to enroll your child in the program, please fill out and
return the Registration Form on the last page of this packet.

GENERAL INFORMATION:
- There are currently 203 students in grades 2, 3, and 4 in the East Farms String Program.

- Instruction is offered for violin, viola, or cello. Students are taken from class to attend lessons.

- All Instruction takes place during the school day for 2nd and 3rd graders. Starting in 4th grade there
is an additional requirement to attend orchestra rehearsals which meet before school every Tuesday
morning at 7:45am.

- The lessons are free but parents are responsible for the cost of renting the instrument and
purchasing a music book, CD, and accessories. This past year the rental costs were approximately
$25 to $70 per month depending on the instrument. The book, CD, and accessories are a one time
purchase of just under $40. Please keep in mind these are approximate costs and are based on last
year’s information from the various rental companies. Next year’s prices may be slightly different. You
do not need to purchase or rent anything now. You will receive detailed information in August.

- Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions. Email is the best way to contact me. My
email address is ​germainv@fpsct.org​. (I check email regularly over the summer too.)

THE SUZUKI METHOD:​ String instruction at East Farms is based on the ​Suzuki Method.​ This
method was developed as a way to teach young children how to play an instrument and is modeled
on the way children acquire language: ​begin early, learn first by ear then decode the written
symbols, practice and listen to the reference recordings daily​. If all children can learn to speak
their native language beautifully and fluently, then they can certainly learn to play an instrument
beautifully and fluently. Just as they do during language acquisition, children learn to play by listening
and repeating until fluency is achieved. That is why in the Suzuki method children memorize their
music. Once memorized, the songs are added to their repertoire and played repeatedly to help them
develop the skills needed for more advanced songs. The method builds on success, and has proven
that ability can actually be developed through consistent effort and the right environment.

SUZUKI MUSICAL RECORDING AND BOOK:​ If you would like your child to get a head start on
learning the music, you can purchase the recording now and listen to it over the summer. This would
give your child a huge jump on lessons. Just go to any local music store and ask for the recording of
“Suzuki Book One” in your child’s choice of instrument. Or you can go on-line and order a
copy at ​www.sharmusic.com/Suzuki​. It is also available as a digital download on iTunes.

RESPONSIBILITY:​ Students will be ​expected to practice 5 days a week​. In the beginning the
practice sessions will only be about 5 to 10 minutes long. In the 2nd and 3rd year of study, practice
sessions should be a minimum of 15 to 20 minutes long. Students will need to remember to bring
their instrument and music folder to school once a week. (You will know the exact day once the

schedule is done in August.) If the instrument or music is forgotten, students will not be able to fully
participate in the lesson and may fall behind. This can be very discouraging for students and also
decrease their motivation.

COMMUNICATION:​ The weekly ​Practice Chart​ or ​Journal​ is the primary form of communication
between teacher, student, and parent. I refer to this as ​“homework”​ and check to see if it has been
filled out at the beginning of each lesson. Notices about ​concerts​ will come home on paper, as well
as electronically in the Friday Folders, and by email. Students will grades for Strings on their regular
report cards.

CHOOSING AN INSTRUMENT:
All of the string instruments can be played by any child, regardless of age or size. Your child has
seen, or shortly will see, a demonstration of each instrument. Picking the instrument that your child is
most interested in playing is an excellent way to help build initial motivation and can give them a
sense of decision making and ownership. The main point to consider when choosing an instrument is
which ​range of sound​ the student prefers. The ​violin​ plays the highest notes, the ​viola​ plays the
middle notes and the ​cello​ plays the lowest notes. Watching videos of the various instruments on
youtube together is another way of discovering which instrument appeals the most to your child.

MAKING A COMMITMENT:​ Students are asked to commit to at least one full year of study. After the
initial novelty has worn off, students can be tempted to quit. This is not unusual. If the student is
making steady progress, this is usually a phase that will pass. (Almost all musicians go through this.)
As with any skill, you must be willing to make a commitment to practice regularly in order to make
progress. Before signing up for the program please be sure that you and your child understand that
practicing equals homework​. Students who participate in Strings are expected to​ practice 5 days a
week, listen to the Suzuki recording regularly, and remember to bring their instrument and
music folder to class each week. ​I can promise you that the rewards are worth the effort. ☺

Lastly, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the String Program. I look
forward to taking a new group of students on a wonderful, musical journey.

Musically Yours,
Mrs. Veronica Germain
Email – ​germainv@fpsct.org
School phone – 860-674-9519 ext 79373

​String Program Registration Form for East Farms School
                            2019/2020

Student’s Name: _________________________________________________
                      (last)                            (first)

Address: _______________________________________________________

Best phone # to call: ______________________________

Best email address to write to: _____________________________________

Student’s grade in 2019/2020:         _____ 2nd         _____3rd          _____4th

Instrument Choice:

_____ Violin          ______ Viola           ______ Cello

**I fully understand the commitment of trying my best to practice 5 days a week,
listen to the recordings, and remember to bring my instrument and folder to school
on the day of my lessons.**

Student Signature: __________________________________________________

Parent Signature: _______________________________________________

Please return this application to your child’s teacher, Mrs. Germain, or the office by June 12 th.
                   Thank you and I look forward to working with your family!