WPS Elementary Orchestra Newsletter
September 7 - 15
Instrument Rental Night: Thurs. Sept 14th from 3 - 6 PM @ WMS
We will be hosting rental vendors Music & Arts and Needham Music next Thursday, 9/14, at Watertown Middle School to help your child get set up with their instrument. If you are new to the program or are hoping to start renting an instrument this year, come on by during that time frame to get set up! You can find more information about the individual vendors by going to our website.
We recommend renting an instrument for a few reasons:
- Easy repairs and size-ups (included in rental cost)
- Rent-to-own program (eventually it's all yours!)
- Trade in credit for moving up to an intermediate-level instrument
- Quality student-level instrument
Students who play a string instrument typically start on a 1/4 or 1/2 size. As they grow, they'll move closer to a full-size instrument. Starting on a full-size instrument too soon could cause muscle strain. Students will be sized and sent home with their size next week in the event that you need to rent online or are renting from a vendor who is not at rental night. Students who are playing the string bass are typically able to have a bass at home for practice and a bass at school for lessons.
ELEMENTARY INSTRUMENTAL BOOT CAMP! Friday, September 15th
Boot camp is an optional event specifically for all of our new members of the instrumental program (band and strings). We'll learn how to open our cases, care for our instruments, and more!
- 3 - 5:30 PM at Watertown Middle School
- Free pizza dinner at 5:00ish
Please let me know if you'd be interested in helping out on the day of, or if you might be willing to donate to our pizza fund :)
Shoulder Rests
As our upper string (viola/violin) players start to move up into the full-size instruments, they should be looking into getting a shoulder rest. These are items that hook onto the lower bout of the instrument to help players support the instrument in their shoulder vs. with their arm and hand, allowing for more flexible motion in the wrist and fingers. You can get them for any size instrument, but they typically make adjustable sizes for 3/4 - 4/4 violins and 15 - 16" violas. All upper-string players should be using a shoulder rest by the time they get to the full-size violin (4/4) or 15" viola to help with posture and avoid back/neck pain.
I recommend Everest (pictured) or Kun (both under or very close to $30), but there are many options. Let me know if you have any questions!
Local Symphony Performances
Being near the city we have lots of amazing orchestras performing all of the time! These groups are made up of community members; all musicians, but not all musicians in a professional sense. It's always amazing to see the Boston Symphony, but our local groups showcase how we can continue being musicians as a hobby throughout our lives, while still working in our chosen fields.
- Firebird Pops (all pops, all the time!): Keep an eye out for upcoming events
Ms. Culley Byham
Culley Byham (rhymes with Sulley) is our string and orchestra teacher from grades 4 - 12 in Watertown. She grew up in Pennsylvania and began playing the viola in the third grade. She played in school and youth orchestras through elementary, middle, and high school before attending Penn State to study Music Education. Ms. Byham taught middle school music and orchestra in South Carolina for five years before moving to Watertown, where she is now in her eleventh year of teaching music.
In addition to teaching, Ms. Byham has continued playing viola in community orchestras. She is currently a member of the Brookline Symphony here in the Boston area. She also enjoys taking long bike rides, walking her dog, hiking, and practicing photography.
Her absolute favorite thing about teaching string and orchestra classes is watching her students go from having no idea about the instrument, to being able to play with ease and confidence. She loves that she gets to work with the students for so long, seeing them grow and learn over the course of many years, making friends, and building community along the way.
Our string program in Watertown is open to all students in grades 4 - 12. Though we begin our program in the fourth grade, students can join in at any level - it's never too late! It is not necessary for students to know anything about music or playing an instrument in order to sign up, we'll teach them everything they need to know.
Check us out on Instagram: @watertownorchestras
