Thanks to area schools the Itasca Orchestra’s Strings Programs offers lessons in violin, viola, cello and bass for ages 6-100. Students take twenty-seven ½ hour lessons during the school year and are placed in one of three student orchestras according to ability. The orchestras practice after school at the Robert J. Elkington Middle School Band Room on the following days:

Beginners	Tuesdays	3:30-4:30
Pops (2nd and 3rd year students)	Wednesdays	3:30-4:30
Youth Orchestra (3rd and 4th year students)	Mondays	3:30-5:00
Chamber Orchestra (advanced)	Thursdays	3:30-5:00

Grand Rapids students in the orchestra program may take buses from their elementary schools to the middle school. Lesson fees are $480 for the year in eight payments of $60 for the first student in a household and $432 in eight payments of $54 for other students in the household. In Bigfork lessons are $520 for the year in payments of $65 for the first student in a household and $480 and in payments of $60 for other students.

Students in Bigfork are not expected to attend rehearsals in Grand Rapids. Instructors in Bigfork will form ensembles when students are ready.

Lesson fees qualify for a tax credit with the State of Minnesota. Houselholds that qualify may receive tax credit loans from the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. Call IOSP (218-327-5781) for more information about these programs.

IOSP also has instruments for monthly rental for students enrolled in the program:

Violins	$12
Violas	$12
Cellos	$20
Basses	$30