Frequently Asked Questions
Click on a question below for a dropdown answer
Do I need to provide an instrument?
No. Kids' Orchestra provides all instruments for the school year programming. If your child already has an instrument that they would prefer to use, they are welcome to use it as long as the instrument is in playable condition. The instrument can be inspected by Kids’ Orchestra staff and Teaching Artists.
Who will supervise or teach my child?
A team of professional music teachers (Teaching Artists) and site staff supervise your child. Site Coordinators and Site Assistants are responsible for the operation of the site and oversee arrival, snack, and dismissal time. Our Teaching Artists are professional musicians and educators who supervise and instruct your child during lesson time.
How do I know my child is safe?
Safety is our top priority. All staff members must pass a background check and take a child abuse prevention course before working for Kids' Orchestra. Our staff also attend Kids' Orchestra professional development workshops and trainings throughout the year.
My child has a learning exceptionality or is differently-abled. Will my child be accommodated?
All students are welcome to participate in our program. KO is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and safe environment for all students and families, including those who may need specialized support due to a particular learning or physical need. Should a student require extra accommodations or support, please communicate any requests or pertinent information to the Operations or Education Director.
What schools participate in Kids' Orchestra?
For a full list of partner schools, please visit our Programs page.
When does Kids' orchestra meet?
EBRPSS sites meet either Monday/Wednesday OR Tuesday/Thursday from 3:30pm-5:30pm.
Please refer to our Programs page for content provider program times, as the schedule varies between each site.
What instruments can my child play?
Instruments available are dependent upon a variety of factors including the age of your child and the classes being taught at your child's school. The list of instruments that Kids' Orchestra teaches includes violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion, and foundations (general music).
How will my child choose an instrument?
Students and families can choose which instrument they want to play before classes begin. Introductory videos for each instrument are available on our website to help your child decide which instrument they want to play. Click here to watch our instrument videos!
How do lessons work?
Students take group lessons for 50 minutes each program day. Classes contain up to 15 students from kindergarten and 1st grade for foundations classes or an average of 10 students from 2nd through 5th grade for instrumental classes. Teaching Artists are trained to work with diverse age groups and often provide opportunities to the more experienced students in a given class to become leaders and building skills beyond the music score.
Can I meet my child's teacher?
Yes! Families are highly encouraged to meet and engage with their child's teacher. The best time to speak with your child's teacher is at the end of the program day at the site school. You can discuss your child's progress, instrument care, and at-home practice time. You can also connect to your child’s teacher through the parent portal in Jackrabbit.
What is the cost of participating in Kids' Orchestra? Is there financial assistance?
The cost to participate varies depending upon which type of class your child is taking (group lessons vs. private lessons) and where your child is taking those classes. For further information on the cost and to find out if financial assistance is available, please visit the tuition and discount page on our website.
How can I get involved with Kids’ Orchestra?
- To donate an instrument, please email us at info@kidsorchestra.org to see if donations are being accepted.
- To donate financially, please click here.
- To inquire about sponsorships, please email our Executive Director, Dr. Patrick Tuck, at ptuck@kidsorchestra.org.
- To learn more about working with us, please click here.
- To learn more about volunteering with us, please click here.
My child does not attend any of KO sites, can they still participate?
Yes! Families may enroll students at different schools, but families MUST provide transportation to and from programming.
Any child is eligible to participate in Kids’ Orchestra private lessons.
Families interested in group lessons should contact KO staff at 225.922.4656.
I am interested in taking private lessons, but I don’t have an instrument. What do I do?
KO provides instruments for all its students free of charge.
How can I register for group or private lessons?
Registration is completed directly on the KO website for group and private lessons. Please click here to see a list of available classes.
Where can I find a school year calendar?
Please click here to see the 2024-2025 KO calendar!