Frequently Asked Questions about the E.J. Hayes Orchestra
For additional helpful information and the Orchestra Handbook, see the Class Information Page
Is there a practice requirement outside of school?
Yes. Students are expected to practice four times per week for 15-20 minutes at a time (60-80 minutes total).
We will assign weekly practice homework in which students will have an assignment to practice and video.
They will turn in the video through Canvas where it will be graded and they will receive feedback.
Can I rent an instrument from the school?
A limited number of instruments are available to rent from the school. If your family is interested in a school rental instrument, we will send home a rental agreement during the first two weeks of school. If there is a greater demand than supply, instruments will be rented on a financial-need basis, and then on a first come-first served basis.
When are the Orchestra concerts and are they required?
We typically have one evening concert per grading period. A performance calendar is sent home during the first week of school. Concerts are required academic events for all students and concert participation is an expectation for participating in Orchestra class.
Do I have to carry my instrument home every night?
Violinists and violists are expected to take their instruments home often enough to fulfill the weekly practice requirement and have them back for class every day. Cellists and Bassists do not have to worry about carrying an instrument back and forth to school each day, especially since their instruments cannot be taken on the school bus. Instead, they will have a school instrument assigned to them to use in class. Cellists and bassists are responsible for having a “practice” instrument at home which will periodically need to be brought in for tuning and/or maintenance. They can rent this from school, as our supply allows.
Is there a place at school where I can store my instrument?
Secure instrument and music storage is available in the music wing at Hayes. Students will drop their instruments off in the mornings when they are released to go to class and will pick them up during afternoon dismissal. Violin and viola students will have an assigned storage cubby.
How can we reach you?
Yes. Students are expected to practice four times per week for 15-20 minutes at a time (60-80 minutes total).
We will assign weekly practice homework in which students will have an assignment to practice and video.
They will turn in the video through Canvas where it will be graded and they will receive feedback.
Can I rent an instrument from the school?
A limited number of instruments are available to rent from the school. If your family is interested in a school rental instrument, we will send home a rental agreement during the first two weeks of school. If there is a greater demand than supply, instruments will be rented on a financial-need basis, and then on a first come-first served basis.
When are the Orchestra concerts and are they required?
We typically have one evening concert per grading period. A performance calendar is sent home during the first week of school. Concerts are required academic events for all students and concert participation is an expectation for participating in Orchestra class.
Do I have to carry my instrument home every night?
Violinists and violists are expected to take their instruments home often enough to fulfill the weekly practice requirement and have them back for class every day. Cellists and Bassists do not have to worry about carrying an instrument back and forth to school each day, especially since their instruments cannot be taken on the school bus. Instead, they will have a school instrument assigned to them to use in class. Cellists and bassists are responsible for having a “practice” instrument at home which will periodically need to be brought in for tuning and/or maintenance. They can rent this from school, as our supply allows.
Is there a place at school where I can store my instrument?
Secure instrument and music storage is available in the music wing at Hayes. Students will drop their instruments off in the mornings when they are released to go to class and will pick them up during afternoon dismissal. Violin and viola students will have an assigned storage cubby.
How can we reach you?
- Email Mrs. Francis: Sara.Francis@fayette.kyschools.us
- Email Mrs. Summers: Laura.Summers@fayette.kyschools.us
- Orchestra Room Phone Number at Hayes: (859)381-4920, ext. 40081
