Strings Chamber Music

Course Syllabus

2026–2027 School Year

Jennifer John
Director of Strings Chamber Music
Fine Arts Center – Greenville County Schools

Office: Room 213
Email: jjohn@greenvilleschools.org
Phone: (864) 355-2566

Remind
Class: FAC Strings Chamber
Code: @facstr

Welcome

Welcome to the Fine Arts Center Strings Chamber Music Program.

The Fine Arts Center is a pre-professional arts institution dedicated to providing advanced educational experiences for highly motivated students. The Strings Chamber Music Program is designed to develop not only exceptional technical and musical skills, but also the artistic independence, collaboration, discipline, and professionalism expected of successful musicians.

Although not every student will pursue music as a career, the habits developed through serious musical study—discipline, perseverance, communication, leadership, creativity, and teamwork—prepare students for success in any profession. Chamber music provides a unique environment in which every performer contributes equally to the artistic outcome, fostering responsibility, mutual respect, and thoughtful musical decision-making.

Students will study chamber music literature spanning the Baroque period through contemporary works while developing advanced technical skills, rehearsal strategies, performance practice, and artistic interpretation through daily rehearsals, masterclasses, performances, and individual study.

The goal of this program is to help every student reach their highest musical potential while cultivating a lifelong appreciation for artistic excellence.

Course Description

The Fine Arts Center offers one of the few comprehensive high school chamber music programs in the United States. Daily instruction emphasizes the development of advanced instrumental technique, ensemble collaboration, rehearsal skills, musical communication, stylistic understanding, and independent musicianship.

Students perform throughout the year in formal concerts, masterclasses, guest artist residencies, outreach performances, and community events. Instruction includes technical studies, scales, etudes, solo repertoire, chamber music literature, score study, sight-reading, listening, historical and cultural study, and performance preparation.

The curriculum is cumulative, with concepts introduced early in the year and continuously reinforced through increasingly advanced repertoire and performance experiences.


Course Learning Outcomes

By the conclusion of this course, students will be expected to:


Program Philosophy

The Fine Arts Center Strings Chamber Music Program believes that artistic excellence is achieved through consistent effort, curiosity, collaboration, and personal responsibility.

Students are encouraged to embrace challenges, take artistic risks, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth. Constructive feedback is an essential part of the learning process, and every student is expected to contribute thoughtfully, listen respectfully, and support the success of the entire ensemble.

Because chamber music is inherently collaborative, every instrument and every performer plays an essential role. Students are expected to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect while working together to create meaningful musical performances.

Musical growth extends beyond technical achievement. Students are expected to develop independence, critical thinking, effective communication, leadership, and self-reflection—qualities that serve musicians throughout their artistic lives and benefit them in any future career.

The Fine Arts Center is committed to preparing students for collegiate music study while fostering a lifelong appreciation for artistic excellence, regardless of each student's future academic or professional path.


Chamber Music Collaboration, Instrumental Roles, and Artistic Responsibility

In chamber music, every performer is an equal and essential contributor to the ensemble. The role of first violin does not indicate leadership, authority, or greater importance within the group. First and second violin parts represent different musical voices, colors, and functions within the composition, and both roles require equal artistry, preparation, and responsibility.

Students are expected to develop the ability to listen, communicate, and collaborate across all ensemble roles. Musical leadership may come from any member of the ensemble and is based on preparation, thoughtful musical decisions, communication, and the ability to support the artistic goals of the group—not on instrument assignment or chair placement.

Because chamber musicians must understand and appreciate the role of each instrument within the ensemble, violin students may be expected to develop basic viola skills and perform on viola when appropriate. Learning viola provides valuable insight into inner voices, harmony, balance, ensemble listening, and the collaborative nature of chamber music. This experience strengthens students’ overall musicianship, increases instrumental versatility, and provides an important professional advantage for future opportunities in performance, teaching, and ensemble settings.

The ability to perform on both violin and viola expands a musician’s adaptability and marketability in a variety of professional environments, including chamber music, orchestral performance, education, and freelance opportunities. Developing flexibility as a string musician is an important component of becoming a well-rounded, successful professional.

Supplemental Texts and Instructional Materials

The following texts and instructional resources support the development of technical proficiency, musicianship, collaboration skills, pedagogical awareness, and professional preparation in string performance. Students will engage with selected resources as assigned throughout the course.

Required Text:


Pedagogy, Technique, and Musicianship Resources:


Scale Systems, Technical Studies, and Fundamental Skills:



Student Expectations & Course Requirements

Required Materials

Students are expected to arrive prepared for every class and rehearsal with all required materials.

Daily Materials

Required Text

Students who do not use personal electronic devices must provide a physical tuner and metronome to ensure they can complete all required practice assignments.

Practice Expectations

Consistent, focused practice is essential for success in chamber music. Students receive regular assignments that may include:

Minimum Daily Practice

Morning Classes (AM): Minimum of 1 hour per day

Afternoon Honors Classes (PM): Minimum of 1½ hours per day

Students are expected to maintain a weekly practice log documenting assignments, practice goals, and feedback received from classroom instruction, private lessons, coachings, and masterclasses.

Quality, consistency, thoughtful preparation, and the ability to apply feedback are valued more highly than simply accumulating practice time.

Classroom Expectations

Students are expected to contribute to a professional rehearsal environment by:

Because chamber music is collaborative, every performer shares responsibility for the success of the ensemble. Students are expected to communicate respectfully, listen actively, contribute musical ideas, and demonstrate professionalism in every rehearsal.

Musicianship & Professionalism

A student's weekly Musicianship and Professionalism grade reflects:

Professional behavior is expected during all classes, rehearsals, performances, residencies, masterclasses, and school-sponsored events.

Technology Expectations

Technology is an important instructional tool used for tuning, recording, score study, rehearsal preparation, and classroom communication.

Students are expected to:

Personal devices may be used only when directly related to instruction, including tuning, metronome use, recording, score study, or teacher-directed activities. Unauthorized use of phones or other devices during class is prohibited.

Failure to arrive prepared with either a functioning device or complete printed music will be considered a lack of preparation and may result in an alternate written assignment, parent communication, or additional consequences consistent with course expectations.

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to: (All assignments will be uploaded onto Google Classroom)

Students are responsible for all information presented during rehearsals, guest artist residencies, workshops, masterclasses, and performances, regardless of absence.

Communication

The primary methods of communication for this course are:

Students are expected to check these platforms regularly for assignments, announcements, rehearsal updates, and schedule changes.

Parents are encouraged to support their student's learning and are welcome to contact the instructor when needed. However, students are expected to take primary responsibility for communicating with the teacher regarding assignments, preparation, and academic progress as part of developing professional independence.

Appointments for conferences or phone calls should be scheduled in advance by email.

Assessment, Grading & Performance Requirements

Assessment & Grading

Student achievement is evaluated through a combination of daily preparation, individual growth, performance, written work, and musical development. Assessment emphasizes both the learning process and performance outcomes.

Greenville County Schools Grading Weights

Minor Assessments – 40%

Major Assessments – 60%

District Semester Weighting


Afternoon Honors Classes Prerequisite: (1:25 and 2:25)

To move up from the morning classes to the afternoon classes after the first year of study at the FAC requires students to audition. Audition material will be handed out before the end of the first semester.  Auditions will be held during school hours assessed by Ms. John and professional musicians from the community. 


Students must be earning a grade of 90 and above to participate in the afternoon classes and assignments including practice logs must be submitted on time. 

Students that have auditioned and been accepted into All-State Orchestra are exempt as long as they are meeting the requirements of the morning classes and have a grade of 90 and above. 

Advanced Opportunities

Outside chamber competitions must be teacher-approved and regularly coached.


Weekly Preparation & Musicianship

Students are expected to arrive at every rehearsal fully prepared.

Weekly preparation is evaluated through:

Preparation, consistency, and artistic growth are valued more highly than perfection.

Performance Requirements

Performance is an essential component of the curriculum.

Students are expected to participate in:

Attendance at required performances is part of the course grade.

Students are expected to remain for the entire concert unless excused in advance according to school policy.

Dress rehearsals are mandatory. Failure to attend a required dress rehearsal may affect performance eligibility and will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Strings Honors Concert (PM Students Only)

The Strings Honors Concert is an advanced performance opportunity designed to recognize and showcase students who demonstrate exemplary preparation, musicianship, professionalism, and commitment to artistic excellence.

The second Strings Chamber Music concert of the year will be an Honors Concert and is open by audition only to PM Strings Chamber Music students who meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate readiness for a high-level performance experience.

To be eligible for consideration, students must:

Students selected for the Honors Concert will be expected to demonstrate:

Auditions will take place approximately one month prior to the concert and will be evaluated with the assistance of Fine Arts Center music faculty and/or an invited outside music professional. The audition process may include chamber music performance, excerpts, technical requirements, and discussion of musical preparation.

Selection for the Honors Concert is based on demonstrated achievement, preparation, professionalism, and readiness for an advanced performance setting. Participation is an honor and reflects a student’s dedication, growth, and commitment to the highest standards of chamber music performance.

Chamber Music Juries

Each ensemble will complete a jury before each major concert.

The purpose of the jury is to determine whether an ensemble is prepared for public performance.

Juries evaluate:

If an ensemble is not yet performance-ready, students will receive additional coaching and may perform a second jury before the concert.

First-year students may participate in a masterclass rather than a public performance during the first semester if additional preparation is needed.

Semester Jury Examination

The Semester Jury Examination serves as the course final examination and is administered before the end of each semester. Juries are conducted before members of the Fine Arts Center music faculty and assess each student's musical growth, preparation, technical development, and overall musicianship.

The examination may include:

Students are expected to demonstrate consistent preparation and the ability to apply concepts learned throughout the semester.

Practice Logs & Course Binder

Students are required to maintain:

Practice Log

A weekly practice log documenting:

Practice logs are submitted through Google Classroom and assessed as a minor grade.

Course Binder

Students are expected to maintain an organized cumulative binder containing:

Binders are assessed periodically and contribute to the course grade.

Concert Attendance & Listening

Developing musicians learn by listening.

Students are required to attend two approved non-FAC or non-string concerts each quarter and submit a written reflection through Google Classroom.

Approved concerts may include:

Students must remain for the entire performance to receive credit.

SCMEA Participation

Participation in professional musical opportunities is an important component of the Fine Arts Center Strings Program.

Required

Students who are not selected for Region Orchestra will complete an alternate major assessment assigned by the instructor.

Strongly Recommended

Eligible students are strongly encouraged to audition for the SCMEA All-State Orchestra as an important opportunity for artistic growth and advanced performance experience.

Additional Performance Opportunities

Students are encouraged to participate in approved musical opportunities beyond the classroom, including:

Participation in outside chamber music competitions or festivals should be discussed with the instructor to ensure appropriate preparation and scheduling.

Summer Study and Required Summer Assignment

Students are expected to continue structured musical development during the summer months. Summer study is an essential extension of the academic year and supports technical maintenance, repertoire growth, and artistic independence.

A required summer assignment will be issued at the end of the school year and is due during the first week of school in August. This assignment will be assessed as a major grade.

Students are responsible for completing all required components as outlined in the course syllabus. Failure to complete the summer assignment will significantly impact the first grading period grade.


Summer Performance and Festival Participation

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in approved summer music festivals, institutes, or intensive programs.

Students participating in a significant multi-week music program (such as a festival, conservatory program, or equivalent intensive study experience) may be exempt from the standard summer assignment requirement. In these cases, students will be expected to present evidence of their work upon return, which may include:

This presentation will serve as the basis for the summer grade requirement.

Course Policies, Important Dates & Acknowledgement

Attendance & Make-Up Work

Regular attendance and active participation are essential to success in the Strings Chamber Music Program. Because chamber music depends on every ensemble member, absences affect the entire group.

Attendance, excused absences, make-up work, and late work will follow the current Greenville County Schools Student/Parent Handbook and Fine Arts Center policies.

Make-Up Work

Students are responsible for requesting make-up work following an excused absence.

Assignments should be completed by the deadline established by the instructor based on the nature and length of the absence. Extended illnesses or extenuating circumstances will be handled individually in accordance with Greenville County Schools policy.

Late Work

Late work will follow Greenville County Schools and Fine Arts Center grading policies.

Unless otherwise specified:

Students are encouraged to communicate with the instructor as soon as possible regarding unavoidable circumstances.

Communication

Open communication between students, parents, and the instructor is essential.

Official Communication Platforms

Students are expected to check these platforms daily for assignments, announcements, schedule changes, rehearsal information, and performance updates.

Parents are encouraged to join the class Remind account to receive important announcements.

Student Responsibility

Developing professional musicians requires developing professional communication skills.

Students are expected to communicate directly with the instructor regarding assignments, rehearsal preparation, scheduling conflicts, and academic concerns whenever appropriate.

Parents are always welcome to contact the instructor when additional support is needed.

Appointments for conferences should be scheduled in advance by email.


Concert Attire

Professional appearance is an important part of every performance.

Women

Men

Students are expected to arrive in complete concert attire and remain for the entire performance unless excused by the instructor.


Instrument Preparedness and Equipment Responsibility

Students are responsible for arriving to class prepared to participate in all instructional activities. If a student’s instrument or bow is temporarily unavailable due to repair or maintenance, the student is still expected to attend class prepared with all required materials, assignments, and music.

When available, a school-owned instrument may be provided for temporary use while a student’s personal instrument or bow is being repaired. Students using school-owned equipment are expected to treat the instrument with care and return it in the same condition in which it was received.

A School Instrument Checkout Form must be completed and signed before any school-owned instrument or equipment is issued. Students and families are responsible for understanding the expectations for care, use, and return of school-owned instruments and equipment.

Students should communicate promptly with the instructor regarding instrument or equipment issues that may affect their ability to participate fully in rehearsals, lessons, or performances.


Private Lessons

Private instruction is required  for all students.

Private lessons provide individualized instruction that complements classroom learning and supports technical development, solo repertoire, chamber music preparation, audition preparation, and artistic growth.


Parent Responsibilities

Parents play an important role in supporting student success.

Parents are encouraged to:


Non-String Instruments

Secondary instrument participation may occur with approval and may not interfere with primary string responsibilities.

2026–2027 Required Events & Important Dates

★ Indicates a required event

Fine Arts Center Events

★ October 22 – Fall Strings Chamber Music Concert

March 1–5 – Jasper String Quartet Residency

★ March 4 – Jasper String Quartet Concert

★ March 11 – Strings Honors Concert (PM students by audition only)

★ April 8 – Spring Strings Chamber Music Concert


SCMEA Events

★ October 3 – Region 2 Orchestra Auditions (Required for all FAC Strings students)

★ November 13–14 – Region 2 Orchestra (Required for students selected through auditions)

★ December 5 – All-State Audition Workshop (Required for all FAC Strings students.)  10:00-12:00, FAC Campus

Strongly Recommended

January 9 – SCMEA All-State Orchestra Auditions

February 19–21 – SCMEA All-State Orchestra


Additional Educational Opportunities

Students may also choose to participate in:

Participation in these opportunities is encouraged as part of each student's artistic development.

Final Thoughts

The Fine Arts Center Strings Chamber Music Program is built upon excellence, collaboration, curiosity, responsibility, and respect.

Every rehearsal, lesson, performance, and coaching provides an opportunity to grow—not only as a musician, but also as a communicator, collaborator, and leader.

Students are encouraged to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, support one another, and strive for continuous artistic growth. Through consistent effort and thoughtful preparation, every student can achieve meaningful success both within and beyond the music classroom.

I look forward to an exciting and rewarding year of making music together.

Jennifer John

Director of Strings Chamber Music, Fine Arts Center