Strings at Overlook
Playing a stringed instrument at
Overlook Elementary is a unique opportunity to explore and
experience music. By learning to play a violin, viola, cello or
bass your student gains new opportunities to interact with the
arts and to develop responsibility, teamwork, self-discipline,
perseverance, and good study habits.
Students have 30 minutes of
instruction twice a week throughout the school year and
participate in a winter and a spring concert for their peers and
parents. At home practice time is essential and expected.
A Note About Practice
Regular practice is absolutely
essential to the development of a musician. Playing an
instrument involves the mental training of learning to read a
new language and the physical training of getting our bodies and
hands to make precise movements at exactly the right time. The
only way this can happen effectively is with regular practice at
home. Young players do not need to practice for long periods.
It is much more effective to train your young musician to set
aside a short, but regular practice time each day. They will
retain much more, develop a helpful habit, and hopefully
maintain an agreeable attitude toward practice as they see the
results. Families are very busy, but five minutes a day will go
a long way.
