Absolutely!  Swansboro Middle School has an excellent athletic program, and many of our musicians take advantage of the sports opportunities at SBMS.  Because Orchestra is a class that meets during school hours, and sports teams have practices and games after school, there's never a scheduling conflict.

Sports schedules can be demanding, but with good time management skills, you can handle your school work, your commitment to the team, and your commitment to Orchestra.  Team sports are only available for 7th and 8th graders, so you can get a good start in Orchestra your first year before learning to juggle everything else.

Music and sports have a lot in common--especially teamwork and good communication!  One of the coolest things about Orchestra is that nobody is ever on the bench.  Our entire team "plays" for every performance!

Actually it's better to wait!  String instruments come in various sizes, and it's important that I can make sure you get a size that fits.  Plus, we'll need to choose instruments together to make sure that we have enough people playing each part!

Most students get their own instruments, and I'll make sure you have good information about finding a quality instrument that stays in tune and makes a good sound.  Stay tuned!  ;)

If you're not sure whether your family can afford an instrument, go ahead and join the class!  I'll work really hard to help you find an instrument that fits your budget, and I can let some students use extra school instruments, based on financial need and a first-come, first-served basis.  If you're joining 6th grade Orchestra and you let me know over the summer that you might need help, I'm confident we can find something that works!

Please check out the page called "COVID-19 Response" on the left panel.  Let me know if you have further questions or concerns (kimberly.zimmerman@onslow.k12.nc.us).

That's ok!  It's a big decision that deserves some thought and research.  Spend some time exploring your options, and let me know if you have any questions!  (kimberly.zimmerman@onslow.k12.nc.us)

If you're still undecided, go ahead and give it a try!  NOT signing up means you've made a permanent decision NOT to participate...ever!  You only have one chance to begin, so don't miss out!

Good question!  The "Interested in Orchestra?" page on this website is just for you!  If you still have questions after you've read that information, feel free to email Ms. Zimmerman.  (kimberly.zimmerman@onslow.k12.nc.us)

You should know that Beginning Orchestra is only offered to sixth graders.  If you don't sign up for Orchestra as you enter middle school, you may lose this opportunity forever!

If you've already registered for Encores, but you'd like to update your registration to join Orchestra, just email Ms. Zimmerman and let her know you're interested!  She'll handle the rest.  

Absolutely!  We have a lot of resources to help to families that are experiencing a hard time financially.  Just ask--the sooner, the better!  A family's economic barriers should not stand in the way of any student having equitable access to high-quality musical education!

Unfortunately no.  Our school schedule allows you to choose only one or the other.  If you start in Band, you cannot switch to Orchestra later, and vice versa.  Make sure you choose the right one!

Typically no.  But if you want to sing, you should join the Swansboro Performing Arts Club (S-PAC), which performs 2 musical shows per year.  The S-PAC rehearses after school, so it doesn't conflict with Orchestra, and it's open to everyone--6th, 7th, and 8th grades!