CURRENT STUDENTS
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PA318H COURSE DESCRIPTION
Varsity Strings isn't just any orchestra—it's the top orchestra at James River High School, reserved for the most exceptional musicians who undergo a rigorous audition process to earn their spot. When you join Varsity Strings, you're stepping into a realm of musical excellence where dedication, skill, and passion converge. While we do perform with the Concert Orchestra during school concerts, being in Varsity Strings means you'll face even more demanding musical challenges and opportunities to showcase your talents. It's like being part of a special musical community where membership is earned through hard work and advanced skills, not just years of experience alone. So, if you're ready to push yourself to new heights and immerse yourself in the highest caliber of musical performance, Varsity Strings awaits your audition!
PREREQUISITE SKILLS
Students auditioning for Varsity Strings should have advanced skills including precise position work up to 5th position with highly accurate intonation and advanced rhythm reading in a variety of meters including 6/8. They should demonstrate exquisite vibrato, an understanding of classical and baroque styles (especially in bowing technique), and nimble extensions in multiple positions (for cello players). Additionally, Varsity Strings musicians expected to be able to sight-read grade 3 music with accuracy and perform grade 5 pieces with practice.
PERKS OF VARSITY MEMBERSHIP
Accelerated Skill Development: Varsity Strings members start the year with a higher base skill level, enabling the warm-up and skill-building portion of rehearsals to progress more quickly. This ensures that members are continuously challenged and engaged, minimizing boredom and maximizing growth and improvement.
Priority Performance Opportunities: Varsity Strings members are given first priority when special events arise, such as performances with the All-Chesterfield Orchestra and the Richmond Navy League's annual banquet.
Exclusive Volunteer Opportunities: Varsity Strings members are eligible to intern at Summer Strings on the James, our prestigious summer camp, earning up to 36 community service hours.
Leadership Roles: Members are allowed to run the middle school workshops at our annual orchestra intensive (pre-assessment), fostering mentorship and leadership skills.
Prestigious Recognition: Membership signifies commitment to musical excellence and offers pride in musical achievements.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Although most ensemble members will have 5-8 years experience playing their instrument, years of experience will not automatically promote a student to membership. Students gain entry to Varsity Strings through audition. The auditions must be complete by March 30th. Alternatively, students who participated in CRO may bypass the audition process and be accepted into Varsity by request.
Audition scoring will be 20% for required scale (single bows or slurs), 40% The Messiah Overture, and 40% selected portion of SRO Etude.
The full SRO "excerpts" are not required for JRHS Varsity Strings auditions; however, for your convenience, the full SRO audition materials have been included in the Varsity Strings audition packet. Both pages (SRO etude and SRO excerpt) plus additional major and minor scales are requirements of the SRO audition in September. JRHS students are encouraged to audition for SRO as well, but they are not required to audition.