Mrs. McKay

This page will answer questions commonly asked by students and parents.

1. How do I get an instrument for my child?
2. I found a cheap instrument on Ebay or another online site. Should I get it?
3. How do I know what size instrument to get for my child?
4. Does my child need a shoulder rest for their violin or viola?
5. Do I have to attend sectionals every week?
6. How do I know when to come to sectionals?

How do I get an instrument for my child?

There are several music stores that carry good instruments for middle school aged students. 
 Use the "Music Store" link or pick up a copy in the Orchestra room.

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I found a cheap instrument on Ebay or another online site. Should I get it?

NO!! It is NEVER recommended to buy inexpensive instruments at wholesale club type stores or 
online auction sites.  They are usually inferior and are sometimes completely unusable.  If a price 
seems too good to be true, it usually is.  Mrs. McKay is happy to help assist you in buying an 
instrument that will be appropriate for your child. 

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How do I know what size instrument to get for my child?

Mrs. McKay will gladly size your child for the correct size instrument.  At this point in your child's 
musical development, it is important that they are using an instrument that is the correct size.  
Serious muscular and nerve damage can develop from improper playing positions and poor posture 
as a result of incorrect instrument size.

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Does my child need a shoulder rest for their violin or viola?

At this point in their musical development, it is important that your child is using a shoulder rest 
that enables them to play comfortably.  Serious muscular and nerve damage can develop from 
improper playing positions and poor posture.  Mrs. McKay has several examples at school that she 
will allow the students to use to find which one is most suitable for them before purchasing one of 
their own.

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Do I have to attend sectionals every week?

YES!! Orchestra is a graded academic class, where participation is required on a regular basis.  

Sectional Guidelines
-	Students are responsible for making up any missed work.  
-	Students are responsible for telling their teacher that they have sectionals BEFORE coming to 
sectionals.
-	The only reason students may miss orchestra sectionals is to take a test or assessment.
-	If a student must miss sectionals, they MUST SIGN OUT FROM STRINGS BEFORE THEY MISS 
CLASS.
-	If students have not signed-out from sectionals before class they will be marked as 
unexcused and receive a zero for their participation grade .

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How do I know when to come to sectionals?

Students will be given a copy of the sectional schedule each quarter.  The schedule will always be 
posted on the Orchestra room door and extra copies of the schedule will always be available in the 
Orchestra room.  Students have NO EXCUSE for not knowing when to come to sectionals.

You can also print an extra schedule at home - check the "Documents to Print" page

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