Orchestra catching up!?

last moth, i decided that i wanted to play the violin, so i got a violin, and i decided to play in the orchestra. a lot of my friends have been playing since 4th grade. i am in 8th grade. i joined archestra a couple of weeks ago. everyone else there is a lot better than me, and since i just started it is very hard catching up. i am violin 2 last seat. how do i catch up with everyone else?

Orchestra catching up!?sunshine

Find a private teacher, and try practicing in the morning before school starts, if your teacher allows it. Basically, the key to improvement will be practice~

Orchestra catching up!?star theater opera theater

Like Brian and Vivaldi said, get a private tutor!! if you're really serious about playing violin, getting a good private tutor will be the best choice you ever made. You might pick up bad techniques in class because the conductor can't possibly pick up on everything anyone does wrong, especially in an 8th grade orchestra. In addition to getting a tutor, think about partnering up with one of the higher seconds outside of school. not only will you guys get practice time in, but you could end up making a new best friend =) and a little bit of extra advice, use rosin regularly. this will help you get a good sound out of your violin because it keeps your bow from sliding around as you play. and a shoulder rest! always use a shoulder rest!! other people might not use one, but it keeps your collar bone from hurting and (again) it'll help you get better sound. hope this helps!!
Get a private teacher. The violin is a very difficult instrument to play and it is NOT something you can teach yourself.

You will have to practise EVERY day for one hour ; no slacking off.

Here is a site that will help you. It is to be used in conjunction with a good teacher. You can click on the masterclasses and watch the videos :

http://violinmasterclass.com/mc_menu.php

TIPS : get an electronic tuner so that your violin is always in tune. They cost about $20 from the music shop.

Practise your long bow strokes every day ; bow all the way from the frog to the tip and listen to the sound you make. It should be one consistent tone.

Get a private teacher....this is so very important.