CHOIR & HANDBELLS
Teacher: Mr. Stone
Email: dstone@nafcs.k12.in.us
Phone: ext. 3162
Website: hhmschoirhandbells.weebly.com
ORCHESTRA
Teachers:
Mr. Elmore
Ms. Raines
WELCOME TO ORCHESTRA!
Welcome to Highland Hills Middle School’s award winning orchestra program!
Research has shown that children who play a stringed instrument outperform children with no music training on verbal ability, auditory discrimination, finger dexterity, and visual pattern completion. This improves how the brain processes the spoken word and distinguishes between rapidly changing sounds. Students who are involved in music have higher science and math grades because playing a musical instrument enhances the abstract reasoning skills needed for learning these subjects. Research has also shown the time spent learning an instrument will improve math skills more than spending that same amount of time in additional math study. Lifelong benefits include a deeper appreciation of the arts while developing fine motor skills and contributing to what experts call “a rich sensory environment,” forging more pathways between brain cells.
The opportunities for lifelong participation in orchestra are numerous. The Highland Hills, Floyd Central, and Floyd County Youth Symphony orchestra have earned many honors. Colleges often offer our graduates scholarships for string instrument players who excel in their musical endeavors. In addition to pursuing a career in music, string musicians play in community orchestras, church music groups, musical theater orchestras, choral productions, and an endless variety of venues. Playing violin, viola, cello or bass can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences.
Most parents are amazed at their children’s success in orchestra, but practice can be a sensitive area. For practicing, a good rule of thumb is to spend 15 minutes a day when first starting. Music is just like the real world: the most successful people are usually the ones who work the hardest, a lesson that definitely helps children in every academic area as well as all the other aspects of their lives. Finally, if it works into your schedule and budget, weekly private lessons can greatly add to your child’s orchestra experience and a list of area private teachers is available.
LINKS:
Floyd County Youth Symphony
BAND
Teacher: Mr. Thomas
Email: pthomas@nafcs.k12.in.us
Phone: ext. 3164
Teacher: Mr. Yankey
Email: hyankey@nafcs.k12.in.us
Phone: ext. 3504