Orchestra
Parent Notes
“Welcome to the Pershing Middle School Orchestra webpage! The purpose of this page is to keep orchestra students and parents informed about all orchestra issues. Pershing is a Fine Art Magnet school in the West Region of the Houston Independent School District. Last year the orchestra, along side the Pershing band and choir, performed at Carnegie Hall after winning a nation wide competition.
Want to help the orchestra? Sign up for VIPS!”
Patrick Cupo, Orchestra Director
BENEFITS
Music participation enhances:
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Goal-setting
- Self-expression
- Physical coordination
- Memory skills
- Self-confidence and esteem
- Concentration
- Poise
- And much, much more!
FOR YOUR FAMILY
- A child’s music study also offers opportunities for shared family experiences, including:
- Musical event attendance
- Family music-making
- Performing for, and with, family and friends
- Learning about the lives of composers and the cultural heritage of many civilizations
- A sense of accomplishment and pride for the entire family
HOW YOU FIT IN
Always keep in mind that your support is essential in your child’s success with music study.
SCHEDULE PRACTICE TIMES
Music achievement requires effort over a period of time. The time they spend in orchestra and guitar rehearsal is limited. New concepts learned at school need daily personal practice time by your child at home in order for these new skills to be developed. You can help your child by:
- Providing a quiet place in which to practice
- Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible
- Scheduling a consistent daily time for practice
- Praising your child’s efforts and achievements
WHAT TO DO
To give your child the best possible support, you should:
- Remind your child to bring his or her instrument and music to class
- Encourage your child to play for family and friends
- Offer compliments and encouragement regularly
- Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals
- Encourage your child to talk with you about classes
- Make sure your child’s instrument is always maintained well
- Listen to your child practice and acknowledge improvement
- Help your child build a personal music library
- Encourage your child to make a commitment to his or her music studies
- Get to know your child’s teacher
WHAT TO AVOID
- Using practice as a punishment
- Insisting your child play for others when he/she doesn’t want to
- Ridiculing or making fun of mistakes of less than perfect playing
- Apologizing to others for your child’s weak performance
TO MAINTAIN YOUR CHILD’S INTEREST
- Talk with your child if his or her interest begins to decline
- Discuss with the teacher ways to maintain your child’s enthusiasm for playing
- Increase your enthusiasm and involvement in your child’s playing
