Learning the violin for a beginner?

Question

I got orchestra as one of my electives next year, and I'd like to know some basics about playing the violin.

Do you think that they will teach me how to play?

Answer 1

They will probably try to, but you should get a private teacher if you can.

Answer 2

If you signed up for some sort of Beginner Orchestra course, they will teach you all the basics, like how to read music and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

However, regardless of which orchestra level you are in, you should sign up for weekly lessons with a private teacher in your area. You need to build a good foundation with a good private teacher who will really stress the correct form and body position and the like, because if you start out playing incorrectly, it will be very difficult to correct in the future. From experience, the orchestra classes at school will not be enough if you really want to play well and get ahead. The teachers won't catch many small errors that you make because they will be more focused on the orchestra group as a whole, whereas a private teacher will focus on you alone.  

Answer 3

If the class is called "Beginner Orchestra" or "Beginner String Orchestra" or something similar, then I would expect them to teach you how to play from scratch.

If its the regular high school orchestra that actually performs a couple of times a year -- I'm sure they're expecting you to already know how to play at least somewhat.  If you've never touched a violin before and can't read music, you'll be in way over your head.  Talk to the orchestra director ASAP and find out so that you can change your schedule and get out of the class if necessary.