Practice Makes Perfect?

As parents I know that one of your primary objectives in life to see your child succeed.  I am often asked how parents with little or no musical training can help their child become a good musician.  Fortunately, there are several ways you can assist.

Consistent practice is essential.  Since this takes discipline and effort, it also requires continuous encouragement from you.  Help your child establish a regular time and place for practicing and try to keep this time free from distraction from other sources, especially siblings.  Monitor his/her practice on a regular basis to ensure that it is being accomplished.  Talk with your child about the need for practice and set up mutually agreed upon goals and rewards.  The goals should be clear and attainable.  The rewards should be something valuable and enjoyable.

You can also provide a great audience for many unofficial performances.  Ask your child to demonstrate various skills and knowledge of music for you while practicing at home.  Praise these efforts regularly in the presence of family members and peers.  This will make him/her feel good about these accomplishments and increase motivation for further progress.

If your child is having trouble mastering a particular skill, please contact me.  There are many ways you can help him/her accomplish a task.  Watching for correct posture, proper hand position and straight bows are just a few examples.  Always try to obtain any needed materials and/or repairs in a timely fashion.  A students becomes easily discouraged when an instrument does not function correctly or a book is missing.  Additionally, try not to force them to practice.  This could cause resentment and may make the child want to quit.

Practicing takes effort.  Encouraging children to practice regularly takes effort.  However, it is essential for learning and it helps develop a work ethic that can benefit a person throughout life.  I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful.  Please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone for additional ideas.

Spring Rehearsal Schedule

The Spring rehearsal schedule is finally here!

Congratulations on very successful Winter Concerts a little while back!  Hopefully, our children are even more excited about the second half of the school year and their continued participation in our program.  After a brief break, we will be resuming our full group morning rehearsals.  Please review the schedule below.  In order to make sure the young musicians are fully prepared for their performances at the PAC this spring, please be reminded that these rehearsals together as a full ensemble are required.  Here are a few reminders:

• Parents will need to provide transportation to the school on rehearsal mornings.
• You are asked to drop off the children in the front loop of the school and come into the building to sign them in.  Sheets will be set up just inside the front doors for this purpose.
• You can drop off your child starting at 7:00 a.m.  Please do not drop off any earlier than this as we will not have any supervision for the children until 7:00 a.m.
• From 7:00 to 7:15, the young musician swill assemble their instruments, tune, and warm-up.  Rehearsal will begin promptly at 7:15 a.m.  Please make sure they are here by that time so they do not miss the beginning of these important rehearsals.
• Beginning Orchestra will always rehearse on Tuesdays.  Vocal Chords will always rehearse on Wednesdays,  Likewise, Advanced Orchestra will always be on Thursdays.
• If, for some reason, school is closed on rehearsal day, the rehearsal will be cancelled.
• If we have a delayed opening, the rehearsal for that day will be cancelled.

IMPORTANT:  All student's attendance records from the winter have been cleared.  Each student now has three absences allowed. After the third absence a attendance warning will be issued. Any absence after that may result in the child not being able to perform in the spring concert.

Beginning Orchestra               Vocal Chords                    Advanced Orchestra.

Tuesdays                                    Wednesdays                        Thursdays

March 7                                      March 1                              March 2

March 14                                    March 8                              March 9

March 21                                    March 15                            March 16

March 28 (5th Gr. Excused)      March 22                             March 23

April 11                                      April 5                                 April 6

April 25 (5th Gr. Excused)        April 12                               April 13

May 9                                         May 3                                 May 4

May 16                                       May 10                               May 11

May 23                                       May 17                               May 18

Concerts at the PAC

Vocal Chords (with FWS Chorus):  Thursday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m.

(Musicians report to HS cafeteria at 6:00)

Beginning and Advanced Orchestra---Fiddle Fest (with BTHS and BTMS); Thursday, May 25th at 6:30 p.m.

(Musicians report to the HS cafeteria at 5:45)

Course selection info for 5th Grade Parents

Dear Parents,

I know you share my pride in your child's progress in orchestra this year.  The personal discipline and commitment have paid off many times over.  We've had a GREAT year so far!

It is not the time of year when students must schedule classes for the coming year.  Make certain that orchestra is part of that schedule.  If there is ANY indecision or scheduling problems concerning your child's future participation in the orchestra program, please let me know so that I can help in any way.  Sometimes it may seem that required courses allow no room for electives, but there are many ways to include orchestra in your child's schedule.

I want your child to enjoy continued positive growth during his/her educational career.  Group participation enhances self esteem, and there is nothing that brings out a sense of personal contribution quite like being in the orchestra.  You have made a great investment in your child's future, and there are many benefits still ahead.


Last week guidance counselors from Burlington Township Middle School at Springside met with our 5th grade students about the curriculum and registration procedures for next year.  I feel it is important to communicate with you at this time to encourage you to include orchestra in your child's schedule.

The string program at Fountain Woods has given your child a strong foundation in playing a string instrument.  He/she is now ready to proceed to mastering more complex skills.  The opportunities provided at BTMS will include more advanced technique, a more challenging level of orchestra music as well as various ensemble experiences.

It is not uncommon for a child to be a bit apprehensive about going to a new school.  This is normal and I will do all I can to make it a smooth transition.  It is important to me that your child continues his/her musical development.  I have provided him/her with a good foundation, but now he/she needs to move on and develop skills that will allow them to use music as a vocation or avocation.

Although time spent at BTMS may be quite busy, there is always room in the schedule for orchestra.  Orchestra will help your child maintain continuity in the new school setting.  In addition, the lifelong benefits of music study can continue during this formative time in their life.

As I have observed your children's progress this year, I have seen the enjoyment and pride music has brought to their lives.  It is important that this continue.  Please feel free to contact me if I can assist in any way as you are discussion your child's future.

Many students want to branch out to try other musical opportunities at BTMS.  This is possible.  Mrs. Gross, Mrs. Ferguson and Mr. Huebner are accustomed to having students in multiple ensembles.  If you have specific questions about programming at BTMS, please contact any of us.

Mr. Huebner (Band Director) - rhuebner@burltwpsch.org
Mrs. Gross  (Orchestra Director) - dgross@burltwpsch.org
Mrs. Ferguson (Choir and Show Choir Director) - rferguson@burltwpsch.org