Welcome to the Ames Middle School Orchestra Page
Informational Page for the ACSD Middle School Orchestra Program
Students will have a small group lesson, as well as work with other students in rehearsals and ensembles.
If you have questions about the program or student, please include first, last name and grade when contacting.
Andrew Weihrauch - 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Orchestra : andrew.weihrauch@ames.k12.ia.us
AMS Orchestra Concerts
2025
7/8 Orchestra -Tuesday, November 18th - 7:00 pm
6th Orchestra - Thursday, December 11th - 7:00 pm
2026
7/8 Orchestra - Monday, February 23rd, 7:30 pm
Held in the Wayne "Hank" Hansen Performing Arts Center
(day time rehearsal at AHS tbd on Feb. 23)
6/7/8 Orchestra - Tuesday, May 16 - 7:00 pm
Online Resources:
This is a good video for cello and will work similarly for violins and violas.
Reference Pitches:
Know Your Size
(String instruments)
no need to purchase - just a good videos for sizing
Instrument Rental through ACSD
Please contact me to make arrangements for ACSD rental instrument exchange if needed. Please notate Students: Name, Grade and Instrument when contacting.
Rehearsals/Lessons:
Lesson Info: please reference google classrooms for lesson information.
Violin and Viola students will need to bring their instruments to school for rehearsals and lessons.
News:
* Iowa Junior Honors String Orchestra Festival (7th and 8th grade students only)
-Friends of Ames Strings-
Parent organization that supports the strings program in the Ames School District.
SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR ORCHESTRA
Lesson Book: Will be provided by school this year(2023-2024).
6th Grade-
"Essential Elements for Strings Book 2"
This book has a purple color at the top. Be sure to get the book for your instrument.
7th & 8th Grade-
"Essential Technique 2000 Book 3"
This book has a green color at the top. Be sure to get the book for your instrument.
Shoulder rest/pad (for violin & viola only):
Each violin/viola student needs a shoulder rest or pad to use each time that they play. There are several different kinds to choose from and students should take their instrument with them to the store to try out and see what is most comfortable for them. We have several different kinds at school that they may also try out to see which works best.
Rosin:
This comes in a block or plastic case and needs to stay in the instrument case. Rosin makes the bow "sticky" so that sound can be made as it is drawn across the strings. This is an item that may need to be replaced during the year.
Strings:
Strings break with use and need to be replaced. You may choose to purchase strings from the store and we will be happy to put them on the instrument for you OR you may ask us to replace the string and then reimburse us for the cost of the string. ALL SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS MUST PURCHASE STRINGS THROUGH US. We are happy to replace strings as long as we are reimbursed for the string in a timely manner.
AMES MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
6TH, 7TH, 8TH GRADE ORCHESTRA
The ACSD Orchestra Curriculum includes:
Sequenced development of string performance skills.
Sequenced development of music literacy and musicianship.
Use of developmentally appropriate, quality string and orchestral literature.
Use of literature from various historical periods, cultures, forms, and styles
Orchestra/Instrumental skills include: tone quality, intonation, rhythm, music literacy, bowing skill development, musicianship, and playing of independent parts as part of the rehearsal process.
A majority of incoming orchestra students have continued on their selected instruments since elementary (4th/5th grade) and have some proficiency. Students that may be interested in learning a string instrument should contact the director for more information.
Rehearsals: Sixth, seventh and eighth grade orchestra rehearses during the school day. Sixth grade orchestra presents two concerts per year (Dec/May); seventh and eighth grade orchestra present three concerts (Nov./Feb./May). Concert attendance is required for students enrolled in orchestra.
Group Lessons: Orchestra students are responsible for attending group lessons one day per week during their WIN period. Lessons are vital during this stage, providing instruction to develop instrumental performance and music literacy skills. Performance assessments are given near the end of the school year.
Other opportunities:
Middle Level Honors Orchestra - 7th/8th Grade Students
Participants are selected statewide by individual directors. Students with a high proficiency skill level are encouraged to apply. Selected students prepare music selections prior to the event which is held during the Iowa Music All State Conference in November. Students are directed and rehearsed by a guest conductor with a presentation of the performance that afternoon.
Chamber Ensemble (7th/8th) : (a smaller selection of students/instruments) If there is enough interest in the formation of a chamber ensemble, the director will facilitate rehearsals and music selection. The rehearsals for this group meets prior to the start of the school day. Students must be enrolled in orchestra to participate.