Homeschool Orchestra

I received the following note from Ms. Joanna Hamp regarding an orchestra.  I told her I would share the information with our local homeschooling families.  




*If anyone is aware of a church or community center in Seymore that would allow us access to their building once a week, then I would very much appreciate contact information so that I can procure a location. 
 
Who I Am
My name is Joanna Hamp, and in 1998 my family, along with 3 other families, got together with Springfield Symphony cellist, Kathy Love, to begin a church orchestra. Over the past 12 years the orchestra has grown to include many classes, a choir and includes over 250 homeschooled students. I was a student in the orchestra for 8 years, and for the past four I have been accompanying, teaching and directing. I have been accompanying my church's hymn service on cello or piano as needed since 2002 and I have also had opportunities play with the Central Assembly Orchestra, to teach private cello and piano lessons and to substitute at Gloria Deo Christian Academy as orchestra director there. It was brought to my attention by a friend of mine that many of the homeschoolers in the Mountain Grove/Seymore area would be interested in gleaning the benefits of musical training, teamwork, self confidence and poise that would be gained from being part of an orchestra 

The Idea
The purpose of this orchestra will be to give homeschooled children an opportunity to learn, practice and perform music for the glory of Christ Jesus in a group setting with likeminded families.  Our goal will be to instill in our students a love for music and to equip them with the skills needed to accompany worship/song services in their churches and to play in professional classical ensembles. 
We will be teaching in a classical style, focusing on reading music and traditional technique and incorporating music theory into our sessions. Our genres will include hymns, worship songs, baroque, classical, romantic and modern orchestrations, soundtrack themes and some popular music.

Who Is Included
The orchestra will be open to all homeschooling children between the ages of 8 and 18 who wish to learn Violin, Viola or Cello. (Must be 8 years old as of January first)  Depending on the number of students the first year classes may be as follows:
Beginner Class- 8-12 year old beginners with no prior musical training.
Accelerated Beginner Class 12-18 year old beginners with no prior musical training and 8-12 year old students with some training.
Intermediate Class 12-18 year old students with some prior experience
Advanced Ensemble By audition: 12-18 year old students with intermediate to advanced classical training in Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, and Flute.

The Cost
The initial cost will include a $15 music fee so that I can purchase your books for you. The monthly cost will be a flat rate of $20 per student, regardless of whether or not we miss a week, or if there is a fifth session in the month. For recitals there will be a $2 fee per student  to cover costs. There will also be a $10 annual fee that will go directly to the facility that we use.

What You Will Need
An Instrument- Hoover Music in Springfield has a rent-to-own program for new and used student instruments that is interest free and has very reasonable monthly rates. They also cary Wire Music Stands ($10) and Rosin. ($3)  Violins and Violas will need a Shoulder Rest.  Sponge rests are adequate and only $3. 

If you would like to be a part of this endeavor, please contact me! My email address is joannarenae90@hotmail.com and my phone number is 417 209 0337.