Parkway 4th & 5th Grade String Program & RegistrationOur string classes are open to all students, beginning in 3rd grade and continuing in 4thand 5th grades. The weekly music instruction is free, provided by certified string teachers. We are pleased to provide this learning opportunity for your student.
Instruction on the viola, cello, and bass are new instrumental options added to the violin in 4th and 5th grades. Our 4th and 5th grade string curriculum builds on the previous year.
Music students will advance in ability and technique as they progress in their string classes. Listening skills, improved tone production, posture, personal playing technique and ensemble skills are expanded. Increased music reading skills are gained through challenging repertoire.
Educational research suggests increased learning ability results from playing a musical instrument over time and the development of self-expression and positive self-esteem occur. Students become more confident and collaborative learners through these experiences.
Parkway School District’s elementary string students are given a wonderful foundation for entry into our high achieving middle and high school orchestras. We are very proud of the musical education that we provide through the string program!
Review this web page carefully for enrollment and instrument rental information. Please contact your school’s string teacher with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Jeff Lackey, Coordinator of Fine Arts
Parkway Elementary String Teachers
LESSON INFORMATION
Elementary string students receive sixty minutes of instruction a week during the school day.
STUDENT INFORMATION
PARENT SUPPORT
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Students will have a variety of performance opportunities during the year, including school concerts, 5th Grade All-District Orchestra Concert, 4th Grade String Day and Parkway Summer String Camp. Participation in school performances is required and District performances are highly encouraged unless prohibited by an emergency. Parents should always contact their string teacher to report a performance absence.
STUDENT PROGRESS
Fifteen to thirty minutes of daily practice is recommended for student progress. Private lessons with outside tutors are encouraged, but not required. Extra lessons combined with school instruction, however, can help your child reach his/her full potential. Your student’s string teacher can provide additional information about private lessons for those interested. Written individual progress reports will be sent at regular intervals during the school year.
HOW TO ENROLL
Any student in 4th or 5th grade may enroll in the elementary string orchestra program. Your student may choose to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass.
Click the button below to enroll:
Every effort will be made to accommodate students who wish to participate in the string program, but enter school after the third grade year or later than September. Please discuss individual students and situations with your string teacher.
INSTRUMENT RENTAL INFORMATION
Instruments for 4th and 5th grade students are not furnished by the school and must be rented or purchased (see suggested dealers listed in this booklet.) Instrument quality is very important. Please ask about service/maintenance agreements or insurance policies. Parkway assumes no responsibility for rented instruments.
If your child wishes to participate but is unable to afford rental because of a family hardship, discuss this with your string teacher.
INSTRUMENT SIZE
String instruments must match your child’s arm length and body size. Your instrument dealer should be able to help you find the correct size instrument for your student. Choose a smaller size if in doubt.
Please consult your string teacher if you are considering an instrument purchase or if your student is interested in string bass.
VIOLIN & VIOLA instrument outfits should have:
CELLO & BASS instrument outfits should have:
ACCESSORIES
AREA STRING INSTRUMENT DEALERS
We have found the following dealers to issue acceptable instruments and service them when necessary.
Bearden Violin Shop
314-427-7570
8787 Lackland Rd., 63114
City Music
314-961-8700
9299 Watson Rd., 63126
Fazio Frets & Friends
636-227-3573
15440 Manchester Rd., 63011
Geoffrey J. Seitz, Violin Maker
314-353-1312
4171 Loughborough Ave., 63116
Midwest Music Conservatory
636-527-5558
15977 Clayton Road., 63011
Mozingo Music
636-227-5722
100 Clarkson Rd., 63011
St. Louis Strings
314-644-6999
6331 Clayton Ave., 63139
Music and Arts
636-244-3770
6161 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., 63376
Music and Arts
636-527-7354
1236 Town and Country Crossing Dr., 63017
Music and Arts
314-739-4265
12292 Saint Charles Rock Road, 63044
Manchester Music
636-527-5588
102 Holloway Rd., 63011
School Music USA
314-218-6565
11048 Olive Blvd., 63141
Top Notch Strings
314-696-2172
3109 Sutton Blvd., 63143
If you have any questions or concerns please contact your strings teacher
Instruction on the viola, cello, and bass are new instrumental options added to the violin in 4th and 5th grades. Our 4th and 5th grade string curriculum builds on the previous year.
Music students will advance in ability and technique as they progress in their string classes. Listening skills, improved tone production, posture, personal playing technique and ensemble skills are expanded. Increased music reading skills are gained through challenging repertoire.
Educational research suggests increased learning ability results from playing a musical instrument over time and the development of self-expression and positive self-esteem occur. Students become more confident and collaborative learners through these experiences.
Parkway School District’s elementary string students are given a wonderful foundation for entry into our high achieving middle and high school orchestras. We are very proud of the musical education that we provide through the string program!
Review this web page carefully for enrollment and instrument rental information. Please contact your school’s string teacher with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Jeff Lackey, Coordinator of Fine Arts
Parkway Elementary String Teachers
LESSON INFORMATION
Elementary string students receive sixty minutes of instruction a week during the school day.
STUDENT INFORMATION
- attend string classes consistently with instrument and music
- regularly practice string assignments at home
- prepare and perform in concerts
- demonstrate appropriate effort and behavior to maximize learning
- commit to an entire year of study
PARENT SUPPORT
- provide an instrument in good playing condition
- purchase music books/materials as recommended by the teacher
- ensure that students bring instrument and music for classes
- arrange a regular, uninterrupted practice time at home
- show enthusiasm for your student’s string playing and attending concert performances
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Students will have a variety of performance opportunities during the year, including school concerts, 5th Grade All-District Orchestra Concert, 4th Grade String Day and Parkway Summer String Camp. Participation in school performances is required and District performances are highly encouraged unless prohibited by an emergency. Parents should always contact their string teacher to report a performance absence.
STUDENT PROGRESS
Fifteen to thirty minutes of daily practice is recommended for student progress. Private lessons with outside tutors are encouraged, but not required. Extra lessons combined with school instruction, however, can help your child reach his/her full potential. Your student’s string teacher can provide additional information about private lessons for those interested. Written individual progress reports will be sent at regular intervals during the school year.
HOW TO ENROLL
Any student in 4th or 5th grade may enroll in the elementary string orchestra program. Your student may choose to play violin, viola, cello, or string bass.
Click the button below to enroll:
Every effort will be made to accommodate students who wish to participate in the string program, but enter school after the third grade year or later than September. Please discuss individual students and situations with your string teacher.
INSTRUMENT RENTAL INFORMATION
Instruments for 4th and 5th grade students are not furnished by the school and must be rented or purchased (see suggested dealers listed in this booklet.) Instrument quality is very important. Please ask about service/maintenance agreements or insurance policies. Parkway assumes no responsibility for rented instruments.
If your child wishes to participate but is unable to afford rental because of a family hardship, discuss this with your string teacher.
INSTRUMENT SIZE
String instruments must match your child’s arm length and body size. Your instrument dealer should be able to help you find the correct size instrument for your student. Choose a smaller size if in doubt.
Please consult your string teacher if you are considering an instrument purchase or if your student is interested in string bass.
VIOLIN & VIOLA instrument outfits should have:
- Ebony pegs
- Fine tuners on all 4 strings
- Super-Sensitive strings, or better, preferred (no Black Diamond or guitar strings)
- Properly adjusted and fitted bridge
- Bow (fiberglass) with real horsehair, in good condition, with a screw that turns easily
- Rosin for bow
- Hard shell case
- Shoulder rest or sponge
CELLO & BASS instrument outfits should have:
- Ebony pegs
- Fine tuners on all 4 strings
- Super-Sensitive strings or better
- Bow (fiberglass) with real horsehair, in good condition, with a screw that turns easily
- Rosin for bow
- Adjustable end pin
- Zipper case preferred
- Rock-stop
ACCESSORIES
- One or two music method books, as recommended by your string teacher
- Accompanying CDs
- A folding metal music stand for home practice
AREA STRING INSTRUMENT DEALERS
We have found the following dealers to issue acceptable instruments and service them when necessary.
Bearden Violin Shop
314-427-7570
8787 Lackland Rd., 63114
City Music
314-961-8700
9299 Watson Rd., 63126
Fazio Frets & Friends
636-227-3573
15440 Manchester Rd., 63011
Geoffrey J. Seitz, Violin Maker
314-353-1312
4171 Loughborough Ave., 63116
Midwest Music Conservatory
636-527-5558
15977 Clayton Road., 63011
Mozingo Music
636-227-5722
100 Clarkson Rd., 63011
St. Louis Strings
314-644-6999
6331 Clayton Ave., 63139
Music and Arts
636-244-3770
6161 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., 63376
Music and Arts
636-527-7354
1236 Town and Country Crossing Dr., 63017
Music and Arts
314-739-4265
12292 Saint Charles Rock Road, 63044
Manchester Music
636-527-5588
102 Holloway Rd., 63011
School Music USA
314-218-6565
11048 Olive Blvd., 63141
Top Notch Strings
314-696-2172
3109 Sutton Blvd., 63143
If you have any questions or concerns please contact your strings teacher