Our goal in 7/8 orchestra is to for students to develop confidence in themselves by
learning to play an instrument
setting goals and working toward them
moving beyond perceived limits
experience of being a part of an ensemble
You can expect to work hard and have a lot of fun learning something new!!
Here's how it works:
You will have orchestra rehearsal every other day.
Orchestra meets as a class during 1st period on BDF days. This is the whole ensemble with everyone playing together. If you are a beginner, you will go work separately in the Beginner Class and join the rest of the ensemble when you are ready
You will have a lesson with Ms. Call once a week.
Lessons are where our close instruction happens, and they are VERY important!! Your lesson will be the same day each week but rotate through different periods to avoid missing the same class in consecutive weeks.
You will have at least two concerts a year.
In a regular school year, we have a winter concert in December and a spring concert in May. Additional performance opportunities include a field trip to perform at local senior centers, assemblies, performing at the mall, and a spring recital. If you are interested in more performance opportunities, consider auditioning for our Honors Orchestra.... more music, more performing, more orchestra fun!
Borrow- IRCSD has instruments that students can borrow for free for the school year. To borrow an instrument, please see Ms. Call for an instrument contract.
Rent- Rental instruments are often a better quality than school owned instruments and the equity that accrues over time can help you move toward owning the instrument. Renting is also a great option for military families who may move and wish to keep using the same instrument. Music and Arts in a national company and has locations across the country.
Buy- We encourage students to play on a borrowed or rented instrument for at least two years before purchasing an instrument. This allows students to explore their interest on the instrument before committing to purchasing an instrument and also gives the student time to move through different instrument sizes on a rental or borrowed instrument as they continue to physically grow during middle school.
**Please read the Rent or Buy FAQ below and reach out to Ms. Call before buying an instrument!**
Winter concert- Wednesday December 6th
Spring concert- Monday May 12th
NYSSMA Majors- Wednesday May 21 or Thursday May 22 **during school hours**
Where is the concert?
Concerts take place at Indian River High School
What time is the concert?
Concerts begin at at 7pm (students, please arrive at 6:30pm)
What do I wear?
Concert dress code is all black (no skirts please!) See Ms. Call if you need help getting concert clothes.
I am in two ensembles. Where do I go first?
Please check in with chorus first, then go to orchestra to check in and warm up.
I have a scheduling conflict with the concert. What do I do?
Concerts are a required component of 7/8 orchestra and student attendance is expected. Please let Ms. Call know ASAP about your conflict so we can problem solve together!
Congratulations on choosing to prepare a NYSSMA solo!
NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) hosts a solo festival in the spring every year that provides students the opportunity to perform for an adjudicator and receive feedback on their playing. The goal of NYSSMA solo festival is to provide students an opportunity to grow as an individual and a musician. Students are expected to put in substantial time and effort into preparing their solo and can expect to enjoy the feeling of success and accomplishment that comes with tackling a challenge!
**Please make sure you are actively practicing your NYSSMA solo to ensure that you are well prepared and comfortable for your NYSSMA audition!**
Congratulations on being selected to represent IRMS at All County!
You were selected based on your teacher's recommendation and (if available) your NYSSMA score from last year. All County is a two day festival that hosts students from all over St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties to learn and make music together.
**Please make sure you are actively practicing your All County music to ensure that you get the most of out this incredible experience!**
Music camp is a FABULOUS way to enjoy your instrument, meet new people, and grow your skills and confidence on your instrument while having an amazing experience!
**Ask Ms. Call about available scholarships for attending music camps!**
Here are some summer music camps in New York State:
If your student is expressing interest in a musical career, congratulations! A career in music can be a very exciting and rewarding experience!
Please get in touch with me as soon as possible so I can assist with steps that students should take in middle school to ensure success toward this goal. I can be reached at liacall@ircsd.org or 315-642-0125.
Also, please check out this information if your child is expressing interest in music!