Orchestra

NEWS:

(April 2025)  CONGRATULATIONS to the Rock Canyon Orchestra program for receiving an overall "SUPERIOR" rating at the 2019 Colorado West Invitational Music Performance Festival (CWIMPF) in Grand Junction!  All three judges awarded a "I: Superior" rating (the highest possible) for our performance. 

General course Info:  

This class (simply called "Orchestra") is where most Freshmen orchestra students will find a home during their first year at Rock Canyon.

- Primarily for incoming Freshmen with experience in elementary and middle school

- This group will specifically help students adjust to the high school learning environment both in terms of the orchestra program and Rock Canyon, in general

- Students will be encouraged to build relationships with their classmates and with Mr. Dale and to develop their technical and leadership skills as they aspire to advance to higher level orchestras

- Students who wish to may audition for “String Orchestra” in March/April prior to their Freshman year

- Very beginners with no previous experience on an instrument or with music reading will also be welcome

- A variety of repertoire will be introduced, initially to reinforce basic fundamentals, and eventually to develop advanced skills and musicianship

OFFICIAL course Info:   

Orchestra – 70460S1, 70460S2

Year long – 1 fine art credit – available to 9th grade students

 Prerequisite:  Primarily for incoming Freshmen with experience playing a string instrument, but previous experience is not required. No audition is required.

Orchestra is a performing ensemble for incoming Freshmen. The purpose of this ensemble is to support the students’ transition from the middle school orchestral experience to the more advanced and demanding high school program. Focus will be on the development of advanced technical skills using methodology and a wide variety of repertoire that is appropriately challenging but accessible. In addition to the development of technical skills, an opportunity to develop leadership skills and dedicated practice habits will support students’ goals and aspirations for participation in upper level ensembles. An appropriate amount of practice in and outside of school is required, and quarterly performances are mandatory. Students must rent or buy their own instrument from a local music store or a limited number of rentals are available from the school.