Supplies for the 2009-2010 HMSO program:
1. Instrument, bow & case (see below**)
2. Rosin
3. A folder for your home practice music
4. Music stand (a folding stand is fine for practicing with at home)
5. Replacement strings—if you break a string, buy a new one and Dr. Braun can
install it for you).
6. A desire to make music and a willingness to work (practice!) to achieve
your musical goals!
Optional:
a. Some students find that having a small electronic tuner/metronome useful
for practicing at home.
b. All students will be receiving some music to practice with at home.
Students will NOT need to purchase additional lesson books, as most materials
will be provided. Advanced students auditioning for Regional /All State
Orchestra will need to purchase their own copy of the audition solo (go to
the “Audition” page for links to audition requirements).
The prerequisite for enrollment in the Hammarskjold Middle School Orchestra
(HMSO) program is that students must already play one of the following
orchestral stringed instruments: violin, viola, cello, or string bass.
Students should be able to demonstrate basic proficiencies in note reading,
fingerings, and bowings on their instrument. Most students who enroll in the
6th grade orchestra have at least 2 years of experience playing their
instrument, having participated in their elementary school’s string program
in grades 4 & 5. Students who were beginners in 5th grade can anticipate
extra practice time in order to “catch up” to the students who have already
played for 2 years.
**Violin, viola, and cello students must either rent or purchase an
instrument in order to participate in the HMSO program. Instruments can be
rented/purchased from the vendor of your choice (see a list of local vendors
on the “Notices” page).
Violin and viola players will be provided with a space in the instrumental
storage closet in which to store their instrument on the days they have
orchestra class. Cello students do NOT need to bring their instruments to
school as they will be able to use school cellos during orchestra class, BUT
they must still have an instrument at home on which to practice. String bass
players will also be able to use school owned instruments during the school
day and for concerts (contact Dr. Braun for more information if you play the
bass).