Q. When does orchestra meet?
A: The Schaumburg Orchestras meet daily. Currently, Symphony Orchestra meets 3rd hour, Philharmonic Orchestra meets 4th hour, and Concert Orchestra (freshmen only) meets 8th hour. There are very few rehearsals outside of the school day--those dates are on the calendar at the beginning of the year. Students and their families are asked to plan accordingly to reserve those dates.
Q: Do I have to bring my instrument to school every day?
A: Some of you have elected to bring your own instruments. Here at school there are a number of instruments available to use. With Covid protocols in place, there is absolutely NO SHARING of instruments. If need be, there will be a rotation put in place so the same people won't have to bring from home all year.
Q: How does seating work?
A: Each section is on a rotation. You may be in the back of the section for one piece and in the front for another. You may be 1st violin for one piece and 2nd for another. In some cases , there are auditions for front stands.
Q: How are we graded in orchestra?
A: Students receive a daily grade, a weekly lesson/sectional grade, as well as both written and playing tests. The playing tests are based on scales and the pieces that we are working on in rehearsals. The written tests are on music theory, music history, and musical terminology. Your lesson/sectional is during either your study hall or lunch period for 25 minutes—you do not miss another class to come to your lesson.
Q: What materials do I need for orchestra?
A: In addition to your instrument, you will need to have a mute, pencil, rockstop (cello/bass), shoulder rest (violin/viola), rosin, and I highly recommend a metronome and tuner.
Q: What kind of trips do the orchestras take?
Pre Covid we took an annual trip to see the Chicago Symphony. We hope to resume that at some point. We have traveled to New York City (2019 spring break) and hope and plan to take a big trip during the 2022-2023 school year. We also have participated in the Music in the Parks field trip to Six Flags amusement park in the spring.
Q: Do you have fund raisers for the trips?
A: Yes. Currently we have 2 opportunities for fundraising. This is certainly flexible as the needs and desires change for the program. The credit that you earn from these fundraisers goes into your student account and stays in that account as long as you are a student enrolled in orchestra.
Q. How much time will orchestra require outside of school?
A. Your main time commitment will be your individual practice time. This is your responsibility to your orchestra. Evening rehearsals are kept to a minimum. You will receive a calendar at the beginning of the year that has all of our evening rehearsals and concerts listed. You will need to reserve these dates for the year.
Q. What kind of music is played?
A. I select a wide variety of music from each of the musical periods, featuring many of the most influential composers of the classical canon. We also perform music from movie soundtracks, musicals, and other alternative styles.
Q. Are there freshmen mixed with seniors?
A. Concert Orchestra is just freshmen. It is a great way for the freshmen to meet and get to know each other, as they come from multiple junior high orchestra programs. The middle orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra, is comprised of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The Symphony has a few freshmen in it, and they choose to audition for the ensemble, but it is predominantly upperclassmen.
Q. How many hours are required for individual practice time?
A. I recommend that each student tries to get in at least a half hour of practice time each day. However, the most important part of practicing is that progress is being made.
Q. Does orchestra count as an elective?
A. Yes. It also counts toward your grade point average and fills a graduation requirement.
Q. What is pit orchestra?
A. The “pit orchestra” is a small group of musicians, usually string, woodwinds, brass and percussion, that plays for the musical at each school. Students who play for the pit orchestra receive a recommendation from their director.
Q: How many electives can I take as a freshman?
A: Typically freshmen can take 2 electives, and in some cases, three electives.
Q. Can you join other activities besides orchestra?
A. Yes, absolutely! In fact, many of the orchestra members are involved in at least one activity or sport. It is very possible to be involved in a number of activities. There are volleyball students, chess students, basketball students, student council students, debate students, theater students.... you name it, we probably have it in orchestra!
Q: Should we bring our instrument on the 1st day of school?
A: No. We usually do not play on the first day of school. We use that time as an opportunity to get to know each other.
Q. Why should I join?
A. You should join if you enjoy the following things: performing great music, learning about music, participating in different musical activities. And… you get to make music with your friends!