1. Westford Public Schools String Music Program

2. Program Highlights Weekly 45 minute lessons –Scheduled during school time –Student will not miss “new instruction” Practice –10 to 15 minutes per night, 5x per week Performances –“Progress” concert mid-year during school –Spring Concert for all grades May 25th- Crisafulli May 26th- Abbot May 27th- Day

3. Why rent? “You get what you pay for” is usually true! –Cheaper online instruments often need work done to them to get them playable. Instruments break! – Rentals have insurance. Sizes change –Rental companies don’t charge to change sizes.

4. Materials Books: –Essential Elements 2000 for Strings (Book 1) Published by Hal Leonard Other materials –Violins and violas: “Poly-pad” shoulder rest (included in Music & Arts rental) –Cello: endpin strap

5. Rental Day Music and Arts –Saturday September 12th at WA Café 8:30 – 11:00 am –Child does NOT have to be there –Bring a credit card for rental contract If you cannot attend –Online Coffey Music & Arts rental option –Mail in contract –Other rental options …

6. Other Rental Options Bridges & Bows (Westford) –www.bridgesandbows.com 978 692 0670www.bridgesandbows.com Johnson Strings (Newton) –www.johnsonstrings.com 800 359 9351www.johnsonstrings.com Minor Chord (Littleton) –www.theminorchord.com 978 486 0112www.theminorchord.com Music Academy of Chelmsford –www.musicacademyofchelmsford.comwww.musicacademyofchelmsford.com 978 251 7741

7. Program Costs $235: Music Fee for WPS $126: Approximate rental of violin or viola $211: Approximate rental of cello $8: Music book Total Program Cost: $369 violin/viola; $454 cello

8. Mentor Program Connects elementary beginners with advanced high school students for extra guidance Good for catch-up, extra practice, or more advanced study Inexpensive compared to private lessons Contact Mr. Hamelin or Mrs. Corwin for mentor names

9. Grade 5 Orchestra Open to all Strings students in Grade 5 Grade 3 and 4 students who take private lessons may join the orchestra after demonstrating skills on September 18th or January date TBD Weekly before school rehearsal Opportunity to work on advancing string orchestra ensemble skills

10. Larcom Strings Concert Wednesday, September 16th, 7 pm Parish Center for the Arts Donations benefit WPS Elementary Instrumental Music Suggested donation of $10 per person or $25 per family Please join us!!

11. Contact info Jessica Corwin –jcorwin@westfordk12.usjcorwin@westfordk12.us –978 392 4483 x4115 Todd Hamelin –thamelin@westfordk12.usthamelin@westfordk12.us –Day: 978 692 5591 –Abbot: 978 692 5580

12. Our Website www.westfordk12.us/strings –Registration and payment for Strings –Helpful links and information about the program –Strings program guide –Progress report information and pictures

13. Thank you!