What PARENTS need to know...
Q When and where will strings take place?
A Strings takes place DURING school, it replaces the general music class. All 5th graders will choose either strings, band, or general music.
Q How do we get an instrument for our child?
A There are several ways students get instruments. Local music stores have great rental programs, which typically include some of the 'extras'
that are needed as well as insurance. You may have an instrument 'in the family' or know of a family friend who would like to help. Also,District 7 has some instruments to rent at a nominal fee for families with financial need.
Q How can we sign our child up for STRINGS?
A Click on the big red button above, and you will be re-directed to our sign-up page. Once registration is over, you will receive a packet of
information about getting started.
BE PART OF THE TEAM!
District 7 has the honor of being the very FIRST school strings program in the state of South Carolina. We hope YOUR child will be a part of our team as we create wonderful music together!
Explore our website for more photos and information about the many facets of our program!
VIOLIN
The violin is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the string family. Played on the left shoulder, it generally carries the melody in an orchestra. The violin can be played with a bow (made of a crafted wooden stick and horsehair), or plucked with the fingers (like a guitar). Like all of the stringed instruments in the orchestra, pitches are made by putting fingers on the strings. A full orchestra typically has between 34-40 violins.
VIOLA
The viola is a slightly larger instrument than a violin and also held on the left shoulder. It plays slightly lower pitches and a has a deeper tone than the violin. In addition to melody lines, the viola is well suited to play rhythmic or harmonic accompaniments to the violins or cellos. A very versatile instrument indeed! A full orchestra will have between 12-16 violas.
CELLO
The cello’s sound is considered to most closely resemble the human voice. Lower in pitch and capable of deeper, warmer tones, the cello is a melodic force that rivals the violin. Due to its richer tones, the cellos often provide counterpoint melodies to the violins. The cello’s versatility also means it can be used to perform harmonic accompaniment. A full orchestra will have anywhere from 8-12 cellos.
DOUBLE BASS
The bass is also known as Contrabass or Double bass. It is the largest instrument in the orchestra’s string section, relative to the cello. Many times the role of the bass has been to double the cello part an octave lower. Hence the word “double” in double bass.They play the bass line (funny how that worked out), the lowest line running through a performance. The basses literally ground the work and add depth to the overall sound of a performance. A bass section will generally have 4-8 basses standing nobly behind the cello section.
Helen Tipton, Instructor
Elementary Strings Coordinator
Jesse Boyd Elementary School
Pine Street Elementary School
Theresa J. Russ, Instructor
TJRuss@spart7.org
Cleveland Leadership Academy
Drayton Mills Elementary School
E.P.Todd Elementary School
Meeting Street Academy