R.J.O. Intermediate School

What is General Music?

• In General Music, we sing, play instruments, move and dance, study music history, and listen and respond to a wide variety of musical styles and genres. We learn to read musical notation, develop our pitch and rhythm skills, and make cultural connections through music. We are all both performers and audience members!
• General Music does not usually involve PUBLIC performance.
• All students participate in General Music.

What performing groups are available?

• The RJO Music Department offers three large performing ensembles: Band, Orchestra, and Chorus.

What is the difference between chorus, band and orchestra?

• Chorus is a vocal ensemble that involves before-school rehearsals only. Band and orchestra are instrumental groups involving BOTH before-school rehearsals and lessons during the school day.
• Band is an ensemble of woodwinds, brass, and percussion. It includes flute, oboe, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone (euphonium), tuba, and percussion.
• Orchestra at the elementary level is a string ensemble. It includes violin, viola, 'cello, and bass. (Symphony orchestra, including woodwind, brass, and percussion with strings, generally requires advanced study and is not offered at RJO.) 

Is my child required to learn an instrument?

• No, but we do hope you choose to take advantage of this opportunity!
• Students may study a band or orchestra instrument at school beginning in 4th grade. (5th graders may join as beginners, but may have limited instrument choices. 5th grade beginner offerings always depend on current enrollment.) 

Can my child participate in more than one ensemble?

• Yes... we encourage it!
• Many students choose, for example, to join the band or orchestra and also sing in the chorus. Our performing groups do not conflict with one another. 
• It is possible for students to study both a band and an orchestra instrument, but we advise students to wait until 5th grade before deciding to take on the additional responsibility of a second instrument. In addition, these students and their parents should consider whether they are organized enough to keep track of two rotating lesson schedules and keep up with their classwork!

What is expected of students in Chorus, Band, or Orchestra?

• A full-year commitment is expected of students joining chorus, band and orchestra.
• We perform two concerts per year. Every member of the ensemble has an impact on every other student in the group! 
• Chorus has weekly before-school rehearsals. For band and orchestra, lessons during the school day and weekly before-school rehearsals are two related but different parts of a single curriculum. Attending lessons and rehearsals is the most important thing your child can do to be successful and to contribute to the overall success of his or her ensemble. (Yes, even more important than practicing!)
• Oh, and please practice, too. =) 

Should we rent or buy an instrument?

• NOTE: If your child has not yet started band or orchestra, please wait to rent your instrument until you receive your child's official instrument assignment letter from the music department!
• The short answer is that renting is usually better, at least until your child determines whether this is truly the best instrument for him/her. ***Instruments you can buy for the same price as a rental are tempting, but are sometimes not of sufficient quality to support your child in his/her studies.*** Poorly-functioning or incorrectly-sized instruments may lead a child to assume s/he is doing something wrong and can cause a good deal of frustration before the problem is discovered
• If you are interested in purchasing an instrument, please speak to your child's band or orchestra teacher first. We are experts and can recommend quality instruments worthy of your investment, as well as advising you on how to choose a brand, style, and/or size that suits your child!
• One money-saving option may be to purchase a quality used instrument. Look for a well-maintained instrument made by a highly regarded manufacturer. 

Does the school rent instruments?

• Yes. The school district rents the following large instruments:
  • Bass Clarinet
  • Horn
  • Baritone
  • Tuba
  • 'Cello
  • Bass
• All other instruments must be rented from a local music vendor.
• If you are considering a purchase, please contact us first!
• All rentals are first-come, first-served and inventory may be limited. Contact your band or orchestra teacher for rental fees and information.

What is the difference between in-school lessons and before-school rehearsals? Does my child need to attend both?

• In-school lessons are where we learn the technique of playing a specific instrument and where we learn to read the musical notation for that instrument. It is also where students can receive individual assistance with the concert music.
• Before-school rehearsals are for all students in the ensemble to get together, learn to follow the conductor, and hear how their individual parts fit together. Rehearsals are for preparing for performance as a team.
• Because lessons and rehearsals have different and interdependent functions, students in band and orchestra must attend both! 

What if my child has to miss a lesson?

• Your child should let the band or orchestra teacher know if there is a conflict with a lesson. When possible, we will offer a make-up time with a similar lesson group. The earlier we know of a conflict, the more likely it is that we will have a make-up to offer.
• For any lessons that cannot be made up, your child should be sure to find out the homework and do his/her best to practice that assignment throughout the week to avoid falling too far behind the lesson group.
   

Should my child come to his/her lesson or rehearsal if...
...the instrument is broken/unavailable/in the shop for repair?

• Yes! Your child can still learn new concepts and become familiar with the music by listening. Also, depending on our inventory, we may have a "loaner" instrument available for use that day- it can't hurt to ask.

...s/he cannot sing or play that day?

• Yes! A child with a sore throat or broken finger, for example, can still learn by listening, and will be that much more ready to perform when feeling better! Students are always allowed to "just listen" if they are not feeling up to performing that day.

...the school has a delayed opening?

• Morning rehearsals are always canceled when the school opens on a delayed schedule. However, if you were supposed to have a lesson that morning, please bring your instrument! If we can, we will offer a make-up later in the day.

When and where are the concerts?

• All evening concerts take place in the William T. Rogers Middle School Gymnasium!
• Concerts take place in December and May.
• Concert dates are printed on the district calendar.

What is the concert dress code?

Unless otherwise announced, our concert dress code is:
white on top, black on bottom,
including black dress shoes when possible.
For safety on the risers, chorus members should avoid wearing high heels.

Do band and orchestra lessons continue after the concerts are over?

• Yes! Our curriculum includes much more than just concert performance. We also practice critical listening skills, create compositions, and learn skills that will be used in performing ensembles the following year and beyond.

Should we rent an instrument over the summer?

• If you have not yet started band or orchestra, please wait to rent an instrument until you receive your official instrument assignment letter from the music department!
• For students continuing from the previous year: This is a financial question for you to consider as a family, but if it is feasible for you to do so, we highly recommend it! As long as your child is committed to practicing, a summer rental is well worth the investment. Playing throughout the summer months will help your child maintain muscle strength and retain musical concepts, and avoid the frustration that may come with having to "get back into shape" in September.