Required Materials

  • Instrument: own, rental, or rent-to-own

    • Bass students will speak with Dr. K at the beginning of the year

  • Shoulder Rest: violin + viola students

  • Technique Book: String Basics for Strings

    • 6th: Book 1 (same book from 5th grade) + Book 2

    • 7th: Book 2

    • 8th: Book 2 + Book 3

  • Rosin: must be in good condition

    • Make sure the rosin is labeled for use with your instrument

    • Bass rosin is different than violin, viola, + cello rosin

  • Pencil: for marking music

  • Rock Stop: cello and bass students

  • Folding music stand: for at home practice, tour, and other field trips

  • Concert Uniform: please see next section for details

Concert Attire

For formal performances (Full Concert Uniform)

  • CSTO Polo, tucked in

  • Black Pants: no leggings, jeans, skirts, shorts, or capris

  • Black Belt

  • Black Shoes

  • Black Socks

For informal performances + field trips:

  • CSTO t-shirt

  • Jeans

  • Appropriate Shoes (weather, time of year, etc.)

The CSTO Polo and CSTO t-shirt are special order items and are both required; this is consistent with all 10 middle schools in the Olathe Public Schools.

Are Concerts/Performances Required?

  • YES! A performance of what we have worked on in class is a major part of each student’s grade. The entire group depends on each of the members to be present and ready to play the music to the best of their ability. When one member is missing, the entire group suffers.

  • Unexcused absences by students cannot be made up and the student will forfeit the points from that concert/performance. Examples of unexcused absences are, but not limited to: babysitting, job, transportation, sports practice, outside of district sport clubs, etc.

  • Excused absences can be made up and are treated on a case by case basis. Excused absences must be brought to my attention as soon as possible. Examples of excused absences are, but not limited to: illness, family emergency, family crisis, medical, etc.

Grades

  • Grades will be based on the following: Orchestra Materials, Outside of Class Individual Focus (Practice Minutes), Playing Tests, and Concert/Performance/Rehearsal Attendance.

Fundraising

  • Fundraising is such an essential part of being in a large music program, but a reminder that this is optional participation. I do not force my students to participate; however, I do encourage the help. As school budgets continue to go in a downward spiral, the cost of running a program continues going up. The only way music programs like CSTO survive is with fundraising. Our fundraiser helps us defray the cost of uniforms, orchestra festivals, awards, field trips, etc.

+ Donations are welcome all year and are 100% profit for CSTO

Spirit Wear

  • Orders for Spirit Wear and uniform items will begin in the first quarter.

Picture Gallery

If you have pictures from concerts or field trips, please send them to me: ckusekcst@olatheschools.org

Youth Symphony Opportunity

Olathe Youth Symphony Association | https://olatheyouthsymphony.org/

  • Auditions are in May

  • Rehearsals take place at Olathe South High School on Monday evenings from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and from September – April. This organization follows the Olathe School District calendar for days off, snow days, breaks, etc.

There is a participation fee to be involved; however, financial aid is available. Please let me know if you need assistance and I will make any contact I can to help.