On behalf of the BPS orchestra faculty, we would like to invite current grade 3 families to become part of our orchestra program this fall at school. This program is one of the best ways to prepare your child for music in middle school (orchestra, band, and/or choir) and teaches them skills far beyond simply playing an instrument. Next fall, we will be visiting every 4th grade classroom to demonstrate the instruments over the 1st week of school to help students decide what to play. If you want to get a little info ahead of time, check out the links at the bottom  and feel free to contact us at join_orchestra@bismarckschools.org if you have any questions.

If you know for sure you will be signing up for orchestra next year, we invite you to visit a local music store (Eckroth Music or Arioso Academy) and reserve an instrument (violin, viola or cello). If you are unsure, we will be sending out more information in the first week or two of school and you can make a decision then, but if you want to beat the rush it would be wise to reserve an instrument early.  For parents returning to this program, we have changed our summer camp option so there is NO SUMMER CAMP for beginning 4th grade students. Thank you for being part of this great program and we look forward to working with your son or daughter in the fall.

Videos:

1. Orchestra in general: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOUNx-nCq5M&t=25s

2. Violin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGTBnWtKAO0

3. Viola:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkmYoqLjlZo&list=PLqNc0r2lSHjP2M3nmDi5YSeCEXaKQomHN&index=4

4. Cello:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUCIKJ3XLDA

More info:

https://www.bepartofthemusic.org/group/index.php?id=2446

The Bismarck Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) has established a BPS Family Assistance Fund.  Those that wish to donate may do so through the foundation website or by mail. To donate online, go to https://www.bpsfoundation.com/donations/bps-faf/. To donate by mail, send checks to the BPS Foundation at 806 N. Washington St., Bismarck, ND 58501 and write “BPS-FAF” in the memo line. Families seeking assistance are encouraged to reach out to their counselor or social worker who will connect them to established community resources as well as submit requests for funding needs that cannot be met within existing resources. The BPSF thanks those who have already reached out to volunteer and/or provide monetary donations to help those within our community who are struggling.