Due to the incredible popularity of the String Bass, and limited scheduling and resources, there are limited spots available in each class for incoming bass students. Bass is a very important instrument in the orchestra and requires a special type of commitment. Additionally, being a bass player offers many opportunities at Covington, and in the future (including large college scholarships)

Eligibility Requirements
 

• High grades in all classes (above an 80)
• Being able to practice 150 minutes each week minimum (over at least 5 days)
• Great work ethic
• Good attendance
• Positive attitude
• Good behavior (no detention/ISS/referrals)
• Participation in Lessons/Bass Classes (see "time commitment" section) after school once a week - $$$
• Renting a Bass for home - $$$ (see "financial commitment" section)
   This avoids being required to take a school instrument home, and bring it back to school between every class.

Time Commitment

Being a middle school String Bass player is a 3 year commitment due to so few spots being offered. An orchestra can have 30 violins while only having 1 or 2 bass players.

Beginner (1st year):

1st semester - Weekly group lessons (according to Mr. Fisher's schedule)

2nd semester - Individual 30 minute lessons

Summer - Only for Beginning students accepted into Honor/Pops Orchestra for the following year (see "Advanced" section below)

Intermediate "String Orchestra" (2nd/3rd year)

Lessons and summer events optional

Advanced "Honor/Pops Orchestra" (2nd/3rd year)

Lessons - Weekly 45-60 minute lessons (according to Mr. Fisher's schedule) & Bass Ensemble once a week (performs at Concerts).

Summer (2027) - Region Bass Camp (date TBD), and AT LEAST 4 summer lessons (according to Mr. Fisher's schedule; advanced skills and region etude study)

Financial Commitment

Playing bass can be a large financial commitment (see below). Sometimes there are ways around this in the beginning, but eventually, there are costs that are unavoidable.

Weekly Lessons/Classes are required (see "Time Commitment" below)

• Beginners - appx. $120 month for 9 months (includes 4 summer lessons)
• Honor/Pops - appx $250 month for 9 months (includes 4 summer lessons)
• Partial/Full Scholarships are available for those with financial hardship (Scholarship applications are available at the beginning of the school year).

Renting a Bass - I recommend TerraNova violins or String and Horn Shop (delivers to Covington), but you can rent from any reputable string shop ($65-100/month, depending on quality).

Please contact Mr. Hall if you need to discuss financial assistance or loaner instruments (depending on availability)

Statement of Understanding/Signature

1) I understand that being a CMS Fine Arts Academy bass student is a wonderful privilege and requires a higher level of commitment (including financial and time). This includes summer lessons.

2) I also understand that Mr. Hall can only accept a limited students and my child will still be excited to play in orchestra on another instrument.

3) I understand that due to the elite nature of playing bass, there are only a few bass players in each orchestra (1-3 in each group), that all bass players are expected to continue playing till 8th grade unless there are circumstances that do not allow them to continue.

4) I understand that Mr. Ray Fisher will be my student's bass instructor, I have save his contact information, and I will reach out to him with any questions or concerns - rayfisher52@gmail.com - (512) 698-4506