Parent Information and Forms can be downloaded at the bottom of this page!

Required Materials:

  • Instrument and bow in excellent playing condition
  • Rosin and cleaning cloth
  • Rock Stop (cellos and basses)
  • Shoulder Rest (3/4 or smaller violins; 13″ or smaller violas)
  • Shoulder Rest (Full-Size violins or 14″+ violas)
  • Pencil and 1/2 inch three-ringed binder for music (with 25 sheet protectors)
  • Essential Elements Book 1 2000(6th Grade)
  • Essential Elements Book 2 2000(7th Grade)
  • Habits of a Successful Middle Level String Musician(8th grade)
All students should rent an instrument until they are ready for a full-size instrument. It is recommended that once a students has grown into a full-size instrument, they purchase an intermediate or advanced level instrument.

What to look for when choosing an instrument for rental or purchase:

  • Size: String instruments come in various sizes. Students must be measured for the proper size instrument. You should not purchase an instrument that is less than “full-sized” as your child will grow out of it. If you rent an instrument, you will be able to trade instrument sizes as your child grows without an additional fee. A student should not play on an instrument too large for them; this will cause physical injuries, as well as difficulty learning the instrument.
  • Color: Though colored instruments are fun, they are typically made of plastic or are coated with excess layers of paint/lacquer that diminishes the tone of the instrument. Stick with instruments that are made of natural wood, and are stained/lacquered naturally. Rock stops, shoulder rests, bows and bow hair come in different colors, and are a great way to add individuality to the instrument.
  • Bows made of fiberglass or carbon fiber are recommended for middle school students. Do not be lured in by the “wood bows,” as they can warp and/or break easier than the “cheaper” carbon fiber bows.
  • On-Line Purchases: If purchasing an instrument on-line, stick with websites that offer a refund and/or exchange policy if you are not happy with the quality of the instrument. Please see the recommended on-line retailer list before purchasing an instrument.
  • As always, please be sure to contact your teacher before making any purchases, no matter how small they are. A quality instrument (including bow, rock stop and shoulder rest) is essential for a students musical growth.

Good and Even Great Instruments That Are Surprisingly Affordable
LOST MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL
ORCHESTRA CALENDAR 2019-2020
Linda Stephens, Director
Catherine Bitinas, Assistant Director
*Please post theses dates on your family calendar*

​August
1st, 2nd, 5th - Sixth grade recruit
6th - Sixth grade recruit forms due
13th - 7 & 8th grade open house 6pm
15th - 6th grade open house 6pm
19th - Blue Ribbon Farms Fundraiser
27th - Encore Cheesecake Fundraiser Kick-Off
September
6th - Progress Reports
8th -  8th Grade Fundraising Monies due
12th -  7th Grade Fundraising Monies due
17th - 6th Grade Fundraising Monies due
October
11th -  8th Grade Tailgate Party 5pm with Harrison Orch.
12th -  Solo and Ensemble Festival – Simpson Middle School
17th -  7th Grade Orchestra Concert 7pm @Harrison
17th - 8th Grade Orchestra Concert 7pm @Harrison
19th - All-State Orchestra District Auditions @ Pope High
29th - 6th Grade Orchestra Concert – 7:00pm LMMS
November
7th - Blue Ribbons Farms Fundraiser Delivery 430pm
11th -  Disney Parent Meeting @ 6:00pm in the theatre
11th – Pointsettia Fundraiser Kick Off
20th -  Poinsettia monies due – 8th Grade only
December
7th- Poinsettia Delivery & Pick-up Day 8:00am – 10:30 
3rd - First Disney payment/forms due - 8th grade only
13th - GA Aquarium Perform- String Choir 8am at Georgia Aquarium
12th - 7th Grade Orchestra Concert 7:00 pm @ HHS
12th - 8th Grade Orchestra Concert 7:00 pm @ HHS
17th - 6th Grade Orchestra Concert 7:00 pm LMMS
January
6th - Encore Fundraiser Prize Day
11th All State Orchestra Auditions @Martha Ellen Stilwell School of Arts
February
4th - 2nd Disney payment due - 8th grade only
8th - GMEA Honors Orchestra Audtions Palmer Middle School
March
2nd - GMEA LGPE Orchstra Festival North Cobb High School
3rd - GMEA LGPE Orchestra Festival North Cobb High School
4th - Final Disney Payment due - 8th grade only
Mar. 5th - March 7th -   GMEA All-State Orchestra – Athens
9th – Spring Plant Fundraiser Kick-off
27th-28th GMEA Honors Orchestra Event @ Sprayberry HS
31st - 6th Grade Strings Jamboree 5pm-8pm @ Harrison
April
1st Spring Plant Fundraiser Monies Due
17th - 7th Grade Celebration Forms/Fees Due
24th - Elementary Recruit Day - String Choir / Vaughn Elementary
20th -  Disney Chaperone meeting – 6:00pm – Orchestra Room
25th Spring Plant Pick-up and Delivery Day – 8:00am – 10:30am
28th - 6th Grade Orchestra Concert – 7:00pm – Harrison High
30th - 7 & 8 Grade Spring Concert 7pm @ Harrison High
May
4th -  Arts on the lawn - String Choir - Vaughn Elementary
2nd -  8th Grade Orchestra Concert – 8:00pm – Carpeted Gym
7th -  7th Grade Music Department Music Celebration - Harrison
13th – 17th -  LMMS Music Department 8th Grade trip to Walt Disney World