Zachary McGee, Instructor

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, location TBD, but aiming for mid-Santa Fe.

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 May 18th. 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