Orchestras!

Benjamin Franklin offers 4 Orchestra Ensembles!

We are fortunate to live and work in a place which has a tradition of excellent orchestras and a school administration who value and support the Fine Arts. The Benjamin Franklin community recognizes the value of this opportunity and puts forth every effort to make the most of it. All ensembles are skill based rather than grade based for the best possible musical development, leadership opportunities and enjoyment. The success of each orchestra depends upon the contribution of each individual member. Participation in the Benjamin Franklin High School Orchestra program represents the opening of a door to tremendous opportunity.

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA

String Orchestra offers beginning instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass for those desiring to learn to play a string instrument. This course will focus on the fundamental skills necessary for progression through the BFHS orchestra programs including long-term success. Students grade 7 - 12 are welcome. No audition is required for placement in this course —all that is necessary is the desire and motivation to study a musical instrument! Fundamentals stressed include proper posture and playing position, development of characteristic tone quality, reading music, notation and rhythm, beginning music theory, ear training, and additional areas of music literacy. Students will have the opportunity to perform in quarterly concerts as well as other playing opportunities. This class is ideal for those who were unable or only partially able to participate in an instrumental music class during previous school experiences as well as for those who may have experience and need a review including: reinforcement of music reading, playing fundamentals and technique that are vital for lasting musical development.

Prerequisite(s): A love of music and desire to learn a string instrument!

CONCERT ORCHESTRA

This ensemble is best suited for a player who has had one to two years experience on their instrument in their previous school orchestra program and/or with a private instructor. We start the year with two octave scales and arpeggios, beginning shifting, rhythm counting, the rudiments of vibrato, music theory and basic listening dictations. Placement in this orchestra requires a willingness to challenge yourself to reach the next level of musicianship through participation and diligence in practicing. We strive to create a positive learning environment where students are encouraged to venture out of their comfort zones to create beautiful music.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum of one to two years’ experience on your instrument and / or an audition with Ms. Petty

SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA

As is the case for all BFHS orchestras, placement into Symphonic Strings is dependent on skill level and not grade level. Students will begin the year with two octave scales and arpeggios, advanced rhythm counting, shifting, and intermediate listening dictations. After the first quarter, students will add three octave scale patterns, become comfortable with vibrato, and foster a deeper understanding of performance strategy. This ensemble is ideal for players with at least three years’ experience on your instrument (exceptions may occur based on ability), an advanced understanding of musical terms such as solfege, key signatures, and time signatures, and most importantly a growing respect for the musical process and high levels of achievement.

Prerequisite(s): Audition with Ms. Petty

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Placement in the Chamber Orchestra requires at least four years of experience on their instrument (exceptions may occur based on ability), an extensive knowledge of music theory (including key signatures, time signatures, rhythm reading, and solfege) and a strong command of all major and minor scales plus arpeggios. The Chamber Orchestra is composed of high school students who have demonstrated dedication to their instrument in the form of consistent practice and who take private lessons on their instrument from a qualified teacher. Students in the Chamber Orchestra will be encouraged to challenge themselves to achieve at their highest level in a safe environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. They will also learn to respect the process of creating beautiful music through personal practice and classroom diligence.

Prerequisite(s): Audition with Ms. Petty