6th Grade Orchestra Information

Why learn a musical instrument?

Why take orchestra?

  1. Learn to play a musical instrument

  2. Learn teamwork and make new friends

  3. Learn discipline and goal-setting

  4. Strengthen concentration and hand-eye coordination

  5. Experience personal achievement and build confidence

  6. Learn appreciation for the beauty and value of music

  7. Develop a new talent that can last a lifetime

DSD 6th Grade Orchestra Information Video

This video features many of the orchestra teachers in the Davis District. They will present each string instrument that is available to learn in the 6th Grade Orchestra. The video also features the string teachers playing some of the songs you will learn and possibly perform towards the end of the school year. 

How do I sign up for orchestra?

In early September, Mr. Kemp will visit each school, give a short presentation about the orchestra program, and hand out a flyer that students need to take home to their parents.

Orchestra Information Flyers
(Updated flyers will be coming soon)
Heritage Download Heritage Kays Download Kays
Creek Download Creek		 Layton Download Layton Snow Download Snow
Horse Download Horse


Please click on the link for information regarding the elementary orchestra program.

PARENT LETTER FOR ORCHESTRA Download PARENT LETTER FOR ORCHESTRA

To register for orchestra please click the following link or use the QR code. All registrations will be done online.

6TH GRADE ORCHESTRA REGISTRATION Links to an external site.
2024-25 QRCode for Mr. Kemp 6th Grade Orchestra Registration

There will be an Elementary Orchestra Open House on Thursday, September 12, from 3:45-6:30 p.m. at Shoreline Junior High in the choir room (south end of the school).  Mr. Kemp will be available to answer any questions you may have and check out the school cellos and basses that have been previously reserved.

ELEMENTARY ORCHESTRA OPEN HOUSE FLYER Download ELEMENTARY ORCHESTRA OPEN HOUSE FLYER

When are orchestra rehearsals?

We will begin classes in the 3rd  week of September on Monday, September 16 for Heritage and Layton Elementary and Tuesday, September 17 for Kays Creek and Snow Horse Elementary. We will follow the schedule below. We will meet twice a week; one day from 7:45-8:25 a.m. and 8:45-9:25 the other day (see the regular schedule below).  Some students will miss about 30 minutes of their regular class one day a week but their school teacher will excuse them to attend orchestra if they make up any missed work. Please refer to the schedule below for your particular school and time. Orchestra runs from September to early May and is based on the traditional school calendar.  

Elementary Orchestra Schedule 2024-25 Download Elementary Orchestra Schedule 2024-25

What instruments are available to play in the orchestra?

The instruments available to learn in the 6th-grade orchestra are violin, viola, cello, and bass.  We do not teach piano, guitar, harp, or any of the band instruments. The band teachers from the junior high schools will come to the school in the spring, usually in late February or early March, to discuss how to join the band.  Below is an informational guide to the different instruments available in the orchestra.

STRING INSTRUMENT GUIDE Download STRING INSTRUMENT GUIDE

How much does participation in the orchestra cost?

It doesn’t cost anything to participate in the orchestra! Students who want to play the violins or viola will need to obtain their instruments from a family member or a local music store. Please click on the Instrument Checklist link below and print it to take to the music store to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment to be successful in the orchestra. I have posted flyers for several local music stores below for you to compare. Please read the "Urgent Letter to Mom and Dad" and "Dangers with Purchasing Cheap Instruments" links below if you are considering purchasing or renting an instrument from another source than the music stores listed on this webpage. Do not purchase instruments online unless you talk to me first! I have included a recommendation list below for what is acceptable and what is not if you decide to purchase instruments online. I have a VERY limited number of cellos and basses that students can use if they are unable to rent an instrument from a local music store. Instruments must be reserved by emailing me at rkemp@dsdmail.net. Please refer to my parent letter on this website (above) for more information. 

INSTRUMENT CHECKLIST Download INSTRUMENT CHECKLIST
STRING RECOMMENDATIONS Download STRING RECOMMENDATIONS

URGENT LETTER TO MOM AND DAD Download URGENT LETTER TO MOM AND DAD
DANGERS WITH PURCHASING CHEAP INSTRUMENTS Links to an external site.

 

MUSIC STORE FLYERS
Bert Murdock Music Download Bert Murdock Music Riverton Music Download Riverton Music Summerhays Music Download Summerhays Music

Do the students perform?

There will be two main performances during the school year.  The first performance will be in December when the orchestra students will set up in the hall and carol as students come to school. The second orchestra performance will be in early May. All of the elementary orchestra students in the elementary orchestra classes in Layton, Kaysville, and Farmington will perform. We call this our Monster Concert, not that it is scary, but because it is a BIG concert. We will have 200+ orchestra students playing.  It is a lot of fun and it is the culmination of the 6th-grade orchestra program.