ORCHESTRA LEVELS:

Covington MS FAA currently has 4 Orchestras: Beginning, Intermediate (String), Advanced (Honor), and Pops Orchestra

IMPORTANT INFO FOR 2025-2026

2025 ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK COMING SOON!

Beginning Orchestra

This orchestra is for students with little or no experience on the violin, viola, cello or bass. Beginning Orchestra is designed to teach students the basics of playing a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello and bass). Typically, this orchestra is for 6th graders; however, it is open to 7th graders, as well.  Being enrolled in beginning orchestra is required to be a member of "Select Strings." (below)“Select Strings” is a group of the most committed and hard working Beginning Orchestra students. Being admitted into “Select Strings”is based upon attending all Friday rehearsals (or providing the appropriate written excuse). Additionally, this group is for students with good behavior, no referrals, passing grades, and NO owed work (grade of 100% for the year) in orchestra. This group will get to attend the Elementary Recruiting Tour (see calendar), which includes performances at our 5 feeding Elementary Schools and lunch at GattiTown!

*Intermediate Orchestra (String)

This orchestra is for students with at least “some” experience with a stringed instrument. “String Orchestra” is designed to be for students of any grade level. Some beginning students may be promoted to String Orchestra 2nd semester and some students in this orchestra may be promoted to the Advanced Orchestra 2nd semester or the following year. If you are new to Covington with any level of experience, please contact Mr. Hall, 512-841-3724 or [emailob email="jeffrey.hall@austinisd.org"], to audition and determine which ensemble is right for you (Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced).

​*Advanced Orchestra (Honor)

This orchestra is for the most motivated orchestra students at Covington Fine Arts Academy. “Honor Orchestra” students are expected to participate at ALL scheduled and new performance opportunities.

*Being enrolled in a performing orchestra ensemble, "String" or "Honor," is required to be a member of Pops Orchestra

Pops Orchestra

This orchestra is for students who want to have DOUBLE the amazing experience of playing a string instrument.  This class focuses less on technique and exercises and focuses almost entirely on playing a variety of "fun" and "cool" music chosen by the students in the class. Music choices may include popular music, rock, oldies, film music, tv theme songs, and much more!  The goal of this performing group is to perform as much as possible on campus, and in Austin, to promote the Covington Fine Arts Program. 

Orchestra Class Supply Information

ALL STUDENTS WILL NEED AN INSTRUMENT PLUS SUPPLIES LISTED BELOW

Violin, Viola, Cello & Bass

You may go to any reputable string shop to buy/rent instruments; however, we recommend Westbank String Shop (6301 Menchaca Rd, 512-326-4898, www.westbankstringshop.com).

Please talk to Mr. Hall before purchasing an instrument (ESPECIALLY ONLINE). It is STRONGLY discouraged to buy an instrument from vendors like Amazon and Walmart, or to buy colored instruments! If it seems "too good to be true," it probably is.

Drop off/pick up a school instrument by filling out this form:  https://forms.gle/XbeheZMx9E4QSpQf9

String Bass Application

The string bass is a challenging yet highly rewarding instrument to learn. It plays a vital role in the orchestra and requires strong commitment and responsibility. Students who choose bass often enjoy unique opportunities throughout their musical journey - including access to major scholarships in college and beyond.

If you are interested in playing bass, please complete this application by August 23, 2025: String Bass Application
Don't know what orchestral instrument you want to play? No problem! Watch this helpful video

No hassle: Westbank already has our supply list and knows exactly what students need!

Classroom supplies:

  • Large Black 3-ring binder (at least 1.5”) with 10 clear sheet inserts and notebook paper

  • Pencils with erasers

  • Zippered Pencil bag for binder

  • Cleaning Cloth

Practice/Home supplies:

  • Bow (all instruments)

  • Shoulder Rest/Pad (for violins/violas), Bow, Light Rosin (for violins/viola bows)

  • Chair Anchor (for Cellos), Dark Rosin (for cello bows)

  • Donut/Rock-stop (for Basses), Kolstein Rosin (for bass bows

  • Electronic tuner/metronome (tuners that attach to instruments are very beneficial)

  • Wire folding music stands for at home practice

  • Extra set of good quality strings (recommended for all, required for violin/viola)

Optional Donation items for the Classroom:

  • 6th grade – Shelf Stable Student Snack Stash – say that 5 times fast! (1 or more items, i.e bags of chips/popcorn, bottled water, cereal bars, goldfish, fruit snacks, trail mix, chex mix, soda, etc…)

  • 7th grade – Decoration Items (especially poster board, rugs, colorful sharpies, markers and paint pens, utility and decorative tapes, wall art, etc.)

  • 8th grade – Hand Sanitizer or Box of Tissues

Orchestra Class Wishlist

  • Optional: This year, our booster club has helped us create a CMS Strings wishlist. All of the optional donation items on the wishlist go directly to our students/program! click here to view orchestra wish list 

Please contact jeffrey.hall@austinisd.org with questions.

FAQ

  • A good option for you and your child is to rent your instrument from WESTBANK STRING SHOP, TerraNova, String and Horn Shop, or any local music store. This option will give your student the opportunity to have an instrument that can be taken home without having to pay fees and fill out paperwork with the director.


    INSTRUMENT ACCESSORIES: All students are responsible for purchasing all supplies needed for their instrument:


    - Bow (all instruments)

    - Electronic tuner/metronome (tuners that attach to instruments are very beneficial)

    - Extra set of good quality strings (violin and viola only)

    - Wire folding music stands for at home practice

    - Donut/Rock-stop (for Basses), Kolstein Rosin (for bass bows)

    - Chair Anchor (for Cellos), Dark Rosin (for cello bows)

    - Nail Clippers (you will be expected to keep all nails very short in order to play correctly)

     

    Westbank String Shop, 6301 Manchaca Road, Austin, Texas 78745; (512) 326-4898. 


    Please e-mail jeffrey.hall@austinisd.org or contact on Remind for any questions relating to instruments or class materials. It is crucial that you include Mr. Hall in the decision of which instrument to buy; it is his job to help you find a quality instrument.

  • CLASSROOM SUPPLIES (Please purchase these supplies):


    - Large black 3-ring binder (at least 1.5”) with 10 clear sheet inserts and notebook paper

    - Pencils with erasers

    - Zippered pencil bag for binder


    Supplemental handouts – music book (1st book provided free), rhythms sheets, scale sheets, skills packets, and fingering charts will be provided and should be brought to class. 

  • INSTRUMENT FEE: Any student that does not rent/purchase their own instrument will be charged an Instrument Fee of $60.00 per year. This allows students to take home a “school-owned” instrument every day. With the increasing cost of maintaining instruments in playing condition, these fees will be used for repair purposes. Students will not be allowed to take home school-owned instruments unless this fee is paid or parents/guardians have spoken with Mr. Hall to discuss alternate payment plans or other options. Please note that the Instrument Fee does not cover theft or major damage. Students and parents/guardians will be responsible for the replacement of an instrument if lost or damaged beyond repair.


    If you have any questions or concerns about class materials, please be sure to reach out. We will never let the issue of money keep a student from succeeding in the Covington FAA Strings program.

    You must complete the instrument usage form BEFORE receiving an instrument:

    https://forms.gle/X84sJawKjU3vbcVdA (copy and paste)

Performance Uniform Requirements

In the world of music, performers are expected to present a unified appearance. When everyone in the ensemble is dressed alike, it enhances the group’s professionalism and ensures the focus remains on the music—not individual performers.

As part of the Covington FAA Strings Program, students are expected to wear concert attire for all performances unless otherwise instructed.

Required Concert Attire for Orchestra Students

  • Black dress pants or a black dress

  • Black collared shirt or the Covington Strings performance shirt

  • Black dress shoes

  • Black socks

  • Skirts must be worn with black leggings or tights

  • All clothing and shoes must be solid black

Please do not wear:
Sandals, Crocs, shorts, or blue jeans.

If You Need Assistance

If you are unable to obtain any part of the required attire, please speak with Mr. Hall at least one week before the performance so that accommodations can be made.

No student will be excluded from a performance due to uniform-related financial hardship.

Helpful Reminders

  • Not sure what to wear? All-black concert attire is always a safe and appropriate choice.

  • The Covington Strings black performance shirt may be worn in place of a black collared shirt when applicable.

CutTime

CutTime is a new platform that will allow parents and students to receive important communications via e-mail or text

  • Payments: CutTime will help parents and students keep track of any fees/payments that are owed. This includes fair share fees, instrument fees, fundraiser payments, and trip costs.

  • Communication. This new platform will allow parents and students to stay up to date with announcements and events. 

  • Volunteer: Through CutTime, parents will be able to sign up for volunteer opportunities.

Parents/guardians will receive a sign up link at the beginning of the school year. Your CutTime "Magic Link" will be sent to your primary contact phone number. See below for a CutTime tutorial video.

Remind

In addition to CutTime, all students and parents/guardians must have at least one REMIND account.

REMIND is a free, secure messaging tool that Covington Strings uses to send important updates about rehearsals, events, socials, fundraisers, cancellations, and more.

By joining the class on REMIND, you’ll receive messages via text, push notification, or email. Your personal contact information stays private—phone numbers are never shared.

Every student and parent/guardian with a cell phone should join!
Learn more at www.remind.com.

Follow the steps below to join

  • OPTION #1 - EASIEST OPTION!! Join by text message. Enter this number: 81010 (in place of the phone number); With one of these messages (use the address/handle for your child's class)

    @cmsborch (beginning orchestra)

    @cmssorch (string orchestra)

    @cmshorch (honor orchestra)

    @cmsporch (pops orchestra)

    @cmsbclass (all bass students/parents)

    @cmsbguit (beginning guitar)

    @cmsiguit (intermediate guitar)

    @cmsaguit (advanced guitar)

    @sup4covstr (volunteers and adult supporters)

  • OPTION #2 Download the FREE Remind APP! Available for Android devices on Google Play or for iPhones/iPads in the Apple App Store. Enter the class code:

    @cmsborch (beginning orchestra)

    @cmssorch (string orchestra)

    @cmshorch (honor orchestra)

    @cmsporch (pops orchestra)

    @cmsbclass (all bass students/parents)

    @cmsbguit (beginning guitar)

    @cmsiguit (intermediate guitar)

    @cmsaguit (advanced guitar)

    @sup4covstr (volunteers and adult supporters)

  • OPTION #3 Join by Email or Phone! Follow this link to join:

    www.remind.com/join/

    class codes:

    @cmsborch (beginning orchestra)

    @cmssorch (string orchestra)

    @cmshorch (honor orchestra)

    @cmsporch (pops orchestra)

    @cmsbclass (all bass students/parents)

    @cmsbguit (beginning guitar)

    @cmsiguit (intermediate guitar)

    @cmsaguit (advanced guitar)

    @sup4covstr (volunteers and adult supporters)

    You may receive messages (up to 140 letters) in English & Spanish.es here