Chamber Orchestra

(Advanced)

By audition only.  Students must demonstrate advanced technique.  They must take private lessons and practice daily.  There is more time commitment involved with this ensemble, due to the level of literature being performed, the commitment to excellence and the possibility of more scheduled performances.  Students in Chamber Orchestra are required to audition for VMEA Senior Regional Orchestra on Saturday, September 27^th at Kellam High School (fee $5).  Chamber Orchestra must be “balanced” – the number of players in each section will be determined by an overall balance of sections in the group.  Students in Chamber Orchestra will perform advanced literature (grade 6 as stated in the VMEA manual).

 

Concert Orchestra

(Intermediate 2)

By audition only.  Students must demonstrate intermediate-advanced technique.  They must be willing to practice regularly.  It is recommended, but not required, that students in Concert Orchestra take private lessons.  Students in Concert Orchestra are encouraged, but not required, to audition for VMEA Senior Regional Orchestra on Saturday, September 27^th at Kellam High School (fee $5).  Students in Concert Orchestra must have a commitment to excellence, as an individual player and as an ensemble.  Students in Concert Orchestra will perform intermediate/advanced literature (grade 5 as stated in the VMEA manual).

 

Cavalier Strings

(Intermediate 1)

No audition required.  The intention of this ensemble is to meet each student’s individual needs in playing their stringed instrument.  Membership in Cavalier Strings includes:

• The majority of entering 9^th grade students
• Students who are technique-building with the intention of moving to Concert Orchestra
• Students who want to play their instrument in a fun, non-threatening, low-stress environment
• Students with limited playing experience on their instrument
• Students who are interested in learning a second stringed instrument

Students in Cavalier Strings do not have to make as much of a time commitment to orchestra, although they are still required to practice regularly.  Cavalier Strings is fun, as well as being an educational experience.  Students will have an opportunity to audition for other orchestras, but a minimum enrollment of 16 students must be maintained in this class.  Students in Cavalier Strings will perform intermediate literature (grade 3-4 as stated in the VMEA manual).

 

 

ALL of the orchestras at PAHS will maintain a level of excellence, each at their own ability level.  It is the intention that offering 3 string ensembles at PAHS will help to better meet the needs and desires of all of the students who would like to play a stringed instrument.