There are three levels of orchestra - Cadet Orchestra (beginner), Concertino Orchestra (intermediate), and Camerata Orchestra (advanced). Orchestra at Esperero Canyon Middle School is based on skill and ability level, not grade level.
Listed below are the expectations to enroll for specific classes.
*If you are interested in Camerata and are new to the district or are a rising 6th grader, please contact Ms. Cioca (gcioca@cfsd16.org) to schedule a brief playing assessment.
This class is perfect for students who have never played a string instrument before. Prior musical experience (such as guitar, piano, etc.) is welcome but not required.
In this class, we learn the fundamentals of string playing including posture and position, care, note and rhythm reading, and ear training.
This class is for students who have at least 1-2 years of experience playing a string instrument. This class is perfect for those who were enrolled in elementary orchestra (both beginner and advanced).
Students should be able to: care for instruments, read all notes on the staff for keys such as G and D Major, and play rhythmic patterns including whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes.
This class is for students who have been playing a string instrument for 3+ years.
Students should be able to: care for instrument at a high level; read and play all 1st position notes below, and above the staff fluently; play whole, half, quarter, eighth, and dotted rhythms proficiently; and have a moderate to advanced understanding of accidentals and musical notation.