Orchestras: Concert, Chamber 1, Chamber 2, Sinfonia 1 and Sinfonia 2

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CONCERT ORCHESTRA (I)

Length: Multiple Semesters

Grades: Mostly 9. Exceptions may apply to beginner 10-12 students with less than 3 years of playing experience.

Prerequisite: Ability to play a string instrument

Concert orchestra is a non-auditioned ensemble for mostly freshmen students and offers experience in string orchestra literature. Students in this orchestra study and perform music of medium high school level difficulty and are expected to prepare the music at a moderate pace. Emphasis is placed on continuing to develop their basic technical, ensemble, and listening skills through daily performance participation. Enrollment for both semesters is highly recommended. Students will have the opportunity to audition for one of the advanced ensembles once a year, at the beginning of second semester.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA 1 and 2 (I)

Length: Multiple Semesters

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of Teacher

Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble for intermediate string players. 10-12 grade students with Concert Orchestra experience will automatically be placed in Chamber Orchestra 1 the following year. Exceptions may apply to beginner 10-12 grade students with less than 3 years of playing experience. Students in this orchestra study and perform music of medium to intermediate high school level difficulty and are expected to prepare the music at a quick pace. Emphasis is placed on developing their more advanced technical, ensemble, and listening skills through daily performance participation. Enrollment for both semesters is strongly encouraged. Chamber 2 is a more advanced than Chamber 1. Students will have the opportunity to audition for Chamber Orchestra 2 and/or Sinfonia once a year, at the beginning of second semester.

SINFONIA 1 and 2(I)

Length: Multiple Semesters

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Recommendation of Teacher

Sinfonia is an auditioned ensemble open to the most advanced string players. The orchestra offers students experience in both string and full orchestra literature. Students study and perform music of very advanced difficulty and are expected to prepare the music at an accelerated pace. Students develop a very advanced level of ensemble and listening skills through daily performance participation. Select members of the orchestra participate in the ILMEA District and All-State orchestras. Additional private instruction is not required but highly encouraged. Sinfonia 2 is more advanced than Sinfonia 1.