Welcome to Running Start!
This orchestra is for students in 5th and 6th grade who have no previous experience, and would like to learn to play the violin, viola, or cello. These classes are built to not only provide students with a solid foundation in playing, but also get them accustomed to the expectations of being a dedicated music student.

Classes will meet twice per week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm at the Odd Fellows Hall.
Students
  • Expect to work hard in class, and to practice daily at home. 
  • Practice assignments will be given each week, and you will be responsible for completing them.
  • Once you’ve completed the year, you may audition for Prelude String Orchestra, or Mariachi Garibaldi.

Parents
  • Student attendance will be closely monitored (no more than 2 absences per semester), and practice assignments will still be expected to be completed regardless of attendance.
  • Please plan to aid your student in making time to practice each day, and block out time in their schedule.
  • You will need to rent or buy an instrument of an appropriate size (available through The Violin Shop of Santa Fe, Robertson and Son’s Violin Shop, or through SFYSA). Students who are approved for financial assistance may rent an instrument through the SFYSA for a discounted rate. Please see our Instrument page for more information.

Registration
Registration will be available after July 1st. Space is limited, and registration will be first come first served.

Choosing an instrument!
We often pick an instrument that we know the most about, or heard someone play on YouTube. Please listen to the three recordings below and think about what kind of sound you like best! Sometimes the instrument we’d enjoy hearing the most, is not the one we planned on playing! Listen to each, and figure out what your first, second and third choices would be. Then click the button to find out what instrument you chose!

If we have a very large number of one type of instrument being requested, we may ask that you consider picking your second choice. That way we don’t end up with an orchestra made up of just one instrument, and we have a nice balance!
Listen to Cello Recording
Listen to Viola Recording
Listen to Violin Recording

​FOR CURRENT STUDENTS

Absence Notification Form 
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​SFYSA Attendance Policy

1) There are no excused/unexcused absences. Whether you're sick, at a soccer game, in a school play, etc., if you miss rehearsal you're considered absent.

2) On your third absence, your conductor/director will ask you to perform a playing test. This may be via a Flipgrid video, a recording, or to play for them in person. Playing in an ensemble is a team effort, and this ensures that you are prepared to participate to the best of your abilities, even if you miss class. 

3) If after your 3rd absence, you play for your conductor and it's clear you are unprepared for participation in class, you will be put on probation. Your conductor and the Artistic Director will work with you to build an appropriate timeline to get back on track. If you do not make significant progress to get back on track within the timeline set, you are eligible for disenrollment from class for the remainder of the semester. 

4) The Absence Notification form cannot be used for Dress Rehearsals or Concerts. Those are considered mandatory, and you must speak with your Conductor/Director directly if there is a problem or concern. 

What do I do if I'm going to be absent?
1) If you know well in advance, let your conductor know by filling out the Absence Notification form as soon as you know you'll be out. They can give you a heads up as to what sections they'll be rehearsing, and what is important to practice.
2) If your absence is last-minute, fill out the Absence Notification form as soon as possible so your conductor isn't looking for you to be at rehearsal.
3) Please do not call, text, or email your conductor or the office. The Absence Notification form MUST be completed for each absence. 
4) If you forget to fill out the form, and you do not attend class, you will be asked to complete the form after the missed class.

    absence notification - RUNNING START
handbook
dress code
CALENDAR
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Zachary McGee, Instructor
Zachary McGee earned his Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance (UC Santa Barbara) and Master of Music in Cello Performance (California State University Sacramento) after starting cello at the age of 14 in his public schools’ orchestra programs in Santa Barbara, CA.  Zach began serious private studies after hearing a life changing performance of the slow movement from the Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata when he was 17 and went on to be able to study with many phenomenal mentors (Geoffrey Rutkowski, John Sant’Ambroggio, Andrew Luchansky, Richard Slavich, Jeffrey Solow, and Richard Webb for baroque cello) and be able to attend the Meadowmount School of Music. Zach is currently the orchestra director at Capital High School and Ortiz Middle School for the Santa Fe Public Schools, where he enjoys teaching string students of all levels from beginners to All-State. As a private studio teacher, Zach’s students have won music scholarships, seats in All-State Orchestras, spots in university music programs, and pre-college spots at several conservatory programs. Being a late-starter on cello, Zach knows the importance of passing on a strong mastery of the fundamentals to the next generation of music makers and believes every student has the potential to achieve even the loftiest musical dreams with the right set of tools and enough support.  When not working with students or practicing himself, Zach enjoys experimenting with coffee and walking his rescue pit bull, Boo.