Orchestra Information

September 15, 2025

Dear Parents of Holland Christian Fourth Graders,

We are delighted to announce that orchestra will again be offered to our 4th grade students. 4th grade orchestra will be offered at 7:30 - 8:05 A.M. on Tuesdays and Fridays at Pine Ridge and 7:30 - 8:05 A.M. on Mondays and Thursdays at Rose Park. ONLY VIOLIN instruction will be offered to your 4th grader as the skills and knowledge learned on the violin are directly transferable to 5th grade orchestra where students may switch to viola, cello, bass or remain on violin. Having all 4th grade students learn the same instrument (violin) at this initial stage will provide quality student and teacher modeling, simplify and increase effectiveness of instruction, and decrease class downtime.

In order for your child to participate, it will be necessary for you to furnish an instrument. Many HC families utilize and are very pleased with the Meyer Music Rental Program which allows students to upgrade to a larger high-quality instrument or switch from violin to viola, cello, or bass in subsequent school years. Meyer Music‛s rental instruments are in excellent condition and all repairs are covered in a low rental fee starting at around $25 a month. Learning to play an instrument and belonging to the school orchestra opens up a whole new world of friendship, fun, and growth. Your child will be able to take advantage of music performances and instruction throughout their enrollment at HC. After High School, students may find fulfillment in participating in college orchestras, community orchestras, string quartets, fiddling sessions, and musical groups in church. Students will learn and practice ear training, self-discipline, group cooperation, problem-solving, goal-setting, self-expression, memory skills, concentration, poise, enhanced physical coordination, high self-esteem, and the importance of

teamwork—skills in great demand in almost every aspect of life. Music study has a profound positive effect on the academic success of students. Most importantly, students will be better equipped to participate in, enjoy, and appreciate music that honors God. Developing musical skills is an avenue for your student to praise God throughout their lifetime.

If you are interested in having your child participate, please email Kyle Nester at knester@hollandchristian.org with your name, child‛s name, classroom teacher‛s name, and any questions you may have about the orchestra program. We will have an HC Orchestra Program / Meyer Music Instrument Rental Meeting on Tuesday, September 23rd at 7:00 in the Middle School Band Room. At this meeting families will be given an overview of the orchestra program at HC and Meyer Music’s instrument rental program. If you think you’ll want to rent an instrument through Meyer Music (highly recommended), please bring a device and Anne Thompson of Meyer Music will guide you through the online process. Your student’s instrument will be delivered to school just in time for their first orchestra practice. Attendance at this meeting is not mandatory and if desired you can rent an instrument through Meyer Music at https://www.meyer-music.com or you can head to their Holland location and rent an instrument in person.

Our first 4th grade orchestra class is scheduled to take place on Monday, September 29th at Rose Park and Tuesday, September 30st at Pine Ridge. At Holland Christian, we are committed to developing the whole student: mind, heart, body, and soul. Innovative, high-quality music instruction and experiences at Holland Christian is but one aspect of our effort to nurture our multifaceted students. We hope that you will take advantage of this chance for your child to discover and develop their musical gifts.

Blessings,

Kyle Nester – Holland Christian Elementary and Middle School Orchestra Teacher