Registration is now open for the 2020/2021 school year
Register at GetLearning.com
Health and wellness of our students and their families are a high priority for the Itasca String Program. Given the current COVID-19 situation we have developed plans adapting our methods of instruction to three possible scenarios. Lesson delivery may be 1) Online, 2) In person at the Reif Center, and/or at district 318, 316, 317 schools, or 3) A hybrid version of in person and virtual classes.
Student ensembles will also adapt to the circumstances with the possibility of working in smaller groups of 4-6 people.
We are excited about the coming year ahead despite all the unknowns. We will be flexible in responding to current circumstances while providing quality experiences for our students.
Lessons are available at area schools or in our lesson room located in the Reif Center weekly from October to May. Participation in one of our four student orchestras is encouraged and included in the price of lessons. Participants in orchestra learn foundational musical skills, while developing teamwork and leadership skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Students in Grand Rapids may ride a bus from their school to the Middle School for their weekly after school orchestra rehearsal. Lessons are available for individuals aged 5-adult.
Frequently Asked Questions 2020-2021
Frequently Asked Questions 2020-2021 adult students
Payment information
Early registration discount! $15 discount through August 29th!
Fees include both lessons and orchestra rehearsals and are provided at a price below our cost because of the generous financial support. Thank you to our individual and corporate sponsors for helping us to keep lesson fees low!
Annual lesson fees are $560 for the 1st child and $490/additional child. You may pay in full on the Get Learning website. Registration fee due at the time of registration ($35 through August 29th). This annual tuition includes 27 lessons which will be delivered over the course of the 8 months either online or in person.
Annual lesson fees may be paid in eight installments of $72/month for the first child and $63/additional child. We are working on options for monthly installment payments for the 2020/2021 school year.
The IOSP program is a full-year commitment. The tuition is for the full year and must be paid even if the student drops the lessons.
Registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. Register early for preference in lesson times.
Financial Assistance
The Itasca Orchestra strives to make lessons available to all. We have three forms of financial assistance. Our competitive Scholarships, Low income assistance through Minnesota Afterschool Advance and IOSP low-income assistance. Students receiving low income assistance also quality for 1/2 price instrument rental.
Competitive scholarship – Deadline May 29, 2020 Scholarship application 2020
Low income assistance – 75% of fees based on a Minnesota Tax Credit Minnesota Afterschool Advance
Low income assistance – 50% of fees. Funds are limited so apply early low income Scholarship application 2020
Instrument Rental
Instrument Care Policy
IOSP has instruments available for rent
Violins: $15 * Violas: $15 * Cellos: $25 * Upright Bass: $30
Per month
Please attend the open house event to receive information about rentals and have your child fitted for an instrument.
Cellos and basses are not allowed on school buses and must be dropped off at the school by parents and guardians.
Schedule
The lessons will take place weekly between October and May. There will be 27 lessons and 27 orchestra rehearsals for each student. Lessons and events calendar for IOSP may be found on the current news page. If school in ISD 318 is cancelled then lessons and student orchestra practices are cancelled. Lessons cancelled by school cancellations or by the student will not be rescheduled.
Regular attendance at student orchestra rehearsals is required. The director may determine when a student has missed too many rehearsals and not be allowed to perform with the orchestra in the concert.
After School Orchestra Rehearsals
Rehearsal schedule subject to modification due to COVID-19.
| Prelude (Beginners) | Tuesdays | 3:30-4:30 | Grand Rapids Middle School |
| Overture | Wednesdays | 2:45-3:45 | Grand Rapids Middle School |
| Intermezzo | Thursdays | 3:30-4:30 | Grand Rapids Middle School |
| Chamber Orchestra (advanced) | Mondays | 3:30-4:30 | Itasca Orchestra Ensemble room |
Practice
Regular practice is important. Generally 20-30 minutes most days is a good basis, with shorter time for beginning students. Students will be expected to hand in practice sheets weekly. Practice awards will be presented at student concerts.
Concert Dress
There are two student concerts at the Reif Center. Performances may be modified due to the risk of COVID-19. Dress for girls and boys is all black including shoes and socks.
Handbook
A student handbook will be distributed at the back to school event to be held in Mid September.
