Orchestra

A class for 6th graders with no experience on orchestral instruments.  Students will be introduced to the violin, viola, cello and double bass.  Students choose their instrument of focus, and by the end of the year will be reading music and playing in a full ensemble!  Students will also learn basic music theory and history and be exposed to many genres of music through weekly listening lessons.  A concert featuring this group is held in May in our auditorium.  School instruments are available for student use, although you may want to consider renting or buying once your student has shown they are dedicated to learning their chosen instrument.

 

A class for 6th graders with at least one year of experience playing the violin, viola, cello or double bass.  Students should have a basic knowledge of reading music and good basic posture and position on their chosen instrument.  Students who did not have the opportunity to learn viola or double bass in elementary school may choose to learn one of these instruments in this orchestra.  Students will also learn basic music theory and history and be exposed to many genres of music through weekly listening lessons.  This ensemble performs in the Winter and Spring concerts.  School instruments are available for student use although you may want to consider renting or buying once your student has shown they are dedicated to learning their chosen instrument.

These ensembles are for students in the 7th and 8th grade who have completed either Beginning Strings or Intro Orchestra.  Students are placed in a class based on their level of performance in the 6th grade and the needs of their academic schedule.  Students will work towards the next level of proficiency on their instrument as well as continue studies of music theory, history and listening skills that were begun in the 6th grade courses.  These ensembles perform in the Winter and Spring concerts.  School instruments are available for student use although you may want to consider renting or buying once your student has shown they are dedicated to learning their chosen instrument.

 

This ensemble is for 7th and 8th graders who have completed the Intro and Senior Orchestra courses or who can demonstrate an appropriate ability level on their instrument.  Students continue to develop skills on their individual instruments, as well as fine tuning their ensemble playing.  They continue studies in music theory, history and listening, and may also choose to explore conducting.  This ensemble performs in the Winter and Spring concerts. School instruments are available for student use.

 

A small auditioned ensemble of about 24 musicians that meets during homeroom and rehearses on SSR (extended homeroom) days.  Students are chosen through auditions and based on their leadership abilities, ensemble skills, and proven dedication to the study of orchestral music.   The Chamber Orchestra performs at the Winter and Spring school concerts as well as special off campus events as opportunities arise.