Fine Arts Center-Strings Chamber Music

Course Syllabus

2026–2027 School Year

Jennifer John, Director of Strings Chamber Music
Office: Room 213
Email: jjohn@greenvilleschools.org
Phone: (864) 355-2566

1. WELCOME & PHILOSOPHY

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.

2. COURSE LOGISTICS


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:

Chamber Music and Ensemble Resources:

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

Honors Course Eligibility

Students must be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed AP Music Theory to be considered for enrollment in the 1:20 p.m. Honors Strings Chamber Music course. Enrollment is based on demonstrated musical readiness and program needs; participation in or completion of AP Music Theory does not guarantee placement.

Communication

Open communication between students, parents, and the instructor is essential. The primary methods of communication are Google Classroom, Remind, and School Email. Students are expected to check these platforms daily for updates.

Students are expected to take primary responsibility for communicating regarding assignments and preparation as part of developing professional independence. Parents are encouraged to join Remind and may contact the instructor via email to schedule conferences.

Practice Expectations

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


Minimum Daily Practice

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:

Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to: 

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


Parent Responsibilities

Parents play an important role in supporting student success. Parents are encouraged to:


Students Who Play a Secondary Instrument

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

Use of School Instruments

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 strongly encouraged  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.

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.

Technology and Device Policy

Technology is an important part of music learning when used appropriately. Electronic devices may be used only when directed by the instructor for instructional purposes.

Approved uses of devices during class include:

All devices must be placed in Airplane Mode before class begins to eliminate calls, texts, notifications, and other distractions.

The following uses are not permitted during class:

Use of a device for any purpose other than those approved by the instructor, or failure to place a device in Airplane Mode, will be addressed through classroom management procedures and may result in disciplinary consequences consistent with Fine Arts Center and Greenville County Schools policies.

Our goal is to maintain a focused, professional rehearsal environment where technology enhances learning and supports the work of the ensemble.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a supplemental educational tool that can be beneficial when used correctly and within the framework contained in the corresponding board policy.


Access Restrictions:

Grades 6–12: Students may only use AI tools that have been explicitly vetted and approved by the District.


The use of District-approved AI tools is at the teacher's discretion based on specific learning goals and content standards. Unauthorized student AI use on assignments is considered a violation of the Behavior Code and will be treated as plagiarism under Board Policy JCDA.


You are not to use AI in any form for Strings Chamber Music Projects and/or Assignments, musical or written. All of your projects must be your own work.


3. ACCOUNTABILITY, PERFORMANCES, and PRACTICE

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

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 (Please refer to student handbook, Greenville County Guidelines) 

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

Semester Jury Examination

The Semester Jury Examination serves as the course mid-term and final examination and is administered before the end of each semester. First year morning students will perform juries within their primary studio.

2nd, 3rd and 4th year morning students, 1st year seniors, and all afternoon students will perform a panel jury for the full music performance faculty in December. While each student’s grade will still be ultimately determined by their private teacher, they will receive feedback from the entire FAC music faculty.

The examination may include:

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

Weekly Preparation & Musicianship (included in weekly practice log grade)

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


Practice Logs & Course Binder (weekly minor grade)

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 (major grade)

Students are expected to maintain an organized cumulative binder containing:

Binders are assessed periodically and contribute to the course grade.


Non-Strings Concert Attendance & Listening (Minor Grade)  

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. 

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, students must:

Note - Students that have auditioned and been accepted into All-State Orchestra are exempt from the audition as long as they have a grade of 90 and above AND have completed all assignments on time. 



Strings Chamber Music Concert Participation (Major Grade) 

Attendance at all Fine Arts Center Strings Chamber Music concerts is required and constitutes a major grade. :

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.

Students who are not performing at a particular Strings Chamber Music Concert are still required to attend the entire performance to support their peers, observe professional performance practices, and participate in the educational experience of the program. Attendance is a required component of the concert major grade. Students who are not in attendance for the entire concert will receive a zero for that concert's major grade. Students are expected to arrive on time for all required Strings Chamber Music Concerts. Punctuality is an important aspect of professionalism and will be factored into the concert major grade. 

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

2026–2027 Required Events & Important Dates

SCMEA Events

Honor Ensembles - Strongly Recommended, but Not Required

*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. This concert 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.

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.

Advanced Opportunities

Participation in outside chamber music competitions or festivals should be discussed with the instructor to ensure appropriate preparation and scheduling. These include, but are not limited to:

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.

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