August 1, 2011
Dear Parents:
Congratulations on enrolling your child in the orchestra! Orchestra is one of the most
rewarding and exciting educational opportunities offered by our schools. Your investment will pay tremendous dividend
in your child’s life for many years to come.
Music provides students with a wealth of fringe benefits. In addition to obtaining the
life long skills needed to become a music performer or consumer, a child learns skills that can be used in every facet of
life. Team work, dedication, self discipline and responsibility prepare a child for a successful future in any profession
he/she may choose. A variety of research shows that music students are among the academically strongest in their schools
and score higher on the SAT than other students. Most colleges and universities now look for more than good grades on
a child’s transcript. They want well-rounded students that have been able to accomplish more than just textbook
knowledge.
You do not have to know anything
about music to assist your child in this new endeavor. Arrange a time and place where practice can be done without interruptions.
This practice should become a part of each child’s daily routine. He/She should never merely put in the required
time, but should practice with the goal of always improving. Music should be placed at eye level. Please do not
allow your child to put the music on a table, bed, etc. This encourages poor playing posture. Remember, practice
doesn’t necessarily make perfect, but PERFECT practice does!
Again, I congratulate you on enrolling your child in the orchestra. As the year progresses,
I hope you will free to contact me whenever necessary.
Sincerely,
Mr. Phillip A. Loos
Director of Orchestras
School Town of Highland
