Fremd orchestras

Fremd Concert Orchestra (C124 - Period 1) is a string orchestra that consists of freshmen-juniors and rehearses every day. It is intended for students who have experience playing their instruments and who are proficient in reading basic music notation as it applies to their instruments. The course helps develop and refine technical and musical skills essential to the performance of the standard string orchestra repertoire. Students in Concert Orchestra focuses on self-tuning, accuracy with intonation, 2 and 3 octave scales, shifting to and playing in the lower positions (1st - 4th positions), vibrato, developing bowing skills and articulations (détaché, staccato, marcato, spiccato), left hand finger strength, agility, dexterity, independence, and speed, musical independence and interpretation.

Fremd Philharmonic Orchestra (C224 - Period 5) consists of freshmen-seniors and rehearses every day. It is intended for students who have experience playing their instruments and who are proficient in skills detailed in the Concert Orchestra description. Members of Philharmonic Orchestra perform string orchestra repertoire while continuing to develop technique and musicianship. Students work toward shifting mastery to and playing in the upper positions (2nd - 5th positions, thumb position), 3 octave major and minor scales, vibrato, bowing skills and articulations (détaché, staccato, marcato, spiccato, martelé, brush stroke), left hand finger strength, agility/dexterity/independence and speed.

Fremd Symphony Orchestra (C424 - Period 3) is intended for students who have demonstrated a high level of technical and musical proficiency on a string instrument. Members of Symphony Orchestra proficient with the skills and techniques listed above. In addition, violists are familiar with treble clef, cellists and bassists with tenor and treble clef. This orchestra performs advanced level music as a string and full symphony orchestra--woodwind, brass and percussion players are selected from Fremd’s Wind Symphony. Students work toward mastery of shifting to and playing in the upper positions (2nd position and beyond, thumb position), 3 octave major and minor scales, arpeggios, vibrato, bowing skills and articulations (détaché, staccato, marcato, spiccato, martelé, brush stroke, collé, sautillé, ricochet), left hand finger strength, agility/dexterity/ independence and speed.

Watch this short video and hear from students about their experience in the Fremd Orchestras.