Grades 4-5 Orch.

Updated August, 2024:    (Sign up forms for 24-25 are below)

Information regarding grade 4 grade 5 orchestra in the MBRSD elementary schools.

The chicken and the egg. . . do students score better on standardized testing due to involvement in music?   There have been a lot of studies that show how training on a musical instrument can help develop more well rounded cognitive ability.   A typical orchestra student needs to be aware of the following whenever playing an instrument:

    • Playing in tune

    • Playing with the same beat as the other orchestra members

    • Utilizing the proper bow direction

    • Playing on the right string at the right time

    • Respond to musical nuances:  (Loud / soft / slower / faster)

    • Read the code of music notation (and interpret that into tactile music)

    • Following the conductors beat pattern, and responding to change

-that's a lot!   Not only does music have emotional and artistic elements, it's aerobics for the brain and body!  

Students typically meet with their orchestra teachers twice per week in the elementary orchestra program.   One lesson is a small "sectional" consisting of like instruments, or the class could be mixed instruments consisting of students that come from the same homeroom.   The other lesson is "orchestra" where we have large groups of grade level students work on playing in a group.

Grade 4 Orchestra

Late Sign-up form for participation in our Grade 4 Orchestras for 24-25 

Grade 4 orchestra students study violin, viola and cello.   All students use "Essential Elements for Strings" book 1 for their specific instruments.   

The intended outcomes for grade 4 orchestra are:

    • Proper playing position

    • Proper technique of playing notes with the left hand

    • Proper tone production

    • Proper intonation (playing in tune)

    • Keeping a steady beat

    • demonstration of proper instrument and bow care

    • Fostering good home practice habits

    • Steady routine of bringing all materials to class, and home to practice

    • Note reading (Usually the 8 notes of the "D scale" starting on "open d")

    • Understanding of quarter notes, quarter rests

    • ability to play music in 4/4 time signature

    • Ensemble playing in unison

    • Participation in our 3 concerts

        D Scale with Mississippi River rhythm https://youtu.be/xvpbckiFYB0

Grade 5 Orchestra

Letter regarding moving from gr. 5 elementary orchestra to gr. 6 orchestra at MBMS

Late Sign-up form for participation in our grade 5 srchestras, 24-25

Grade 5 orchestra students study the same instruments as grade 4, including the bass.   

The intended outcomes for grade 5 orchestra are the same as grade 4 orchestra, plus:

    • an extended range of note reading, including the notes on the "G string"

    • extended range of violin and viola using 4th finger (pinky)

    • proper bow distribution

    • demonstration of a bowing technique called slurring

    • Ensemble playing in a round

    • Ensemble playing using basic harmonies

    • ability to perform in 2/4 and 3/4 time signatures

    • Understanding of half notes, dotted half notes, eighth notes, and eighth rests

    • Independence on an individual part within a heterogeneous musical setting

Grade 5 Songs that are typically used for our Orchestra Celebration:

Kookaburra - 

Can-can

Sailor's Song - click here for link where you can hear the song

2020:  A Viking's Tale  click here for a link where you can hear A Viking's Tale

Plus The Star Spangled Banner melody

and our Closer that's played with everyone grades 4-12 at our annual "Orchestra Celebration" in March.

    Content provided by Mr. Muise