Junior Orchestra

Students with no experience playing an instrument can join Junior Orchestra starting in 4th grade. We continue to accept beginners up through 8th grade. Sign-ups happen in the fall each year.

Junior students receive one 30-minute pull-out lesson each week during the school day, beginning late September/early October. Starting in November, students attend a morning rehearsal before school at Roosevelt Middle School on Mondays in addition to their weekly lesson. For rehearsal, parents drop their student off at Roosevelt and the district buses them back to their elementary schools before the start of the school day. 

In lessons, students begin working through the 12 certificate levels which cover the method books, Measures of Success Book 1 & 2. Students are able to progress through the certificates at their own pace and receive individualized instruction through this process. They are also encouraged to submit practice videos from home and receive feedback. 

Junior Orchestra performs two evening concerts during the year, one in February and one in May. In addition, the 4th grade members provide a performance for their home elementary school at the end of the year. 

Intermediate Orchestra

After their first year of study and passing Certificate  Level 1, students are promoted to Intermediate Orchestra. This orchestra meets before school at Roosevelt on Thursdays and Fridays for rehearsal and students continue to receive one weekly 30-minute pull-out lesson during the school day where students continue to work on the certificate levels. Intermediate Orchestra performs three evening concerts during the year. Intermediate students are eligible to participate in D90's annual Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students also participate in a weekend Intermediate String Workshop where they get to work with local teaching pros. All Roosevelt members are invited to an Awards Breakfast at the end of the year. 

Elementary students with playing experience may request a placement audition for this orchestra. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from rehearsal for elementary members. Members in 4th grade also receive a 30-minute pull-out lesson during the school day at their home school. 

Senior-mediate Orchestra

This orchestra is a rigorous, challenge ensemble for ambitious Intermediate students that are working in the second method book on levels 9-12. Senior-mediate students rehearse before school on Thursdays with Intermediate Orchestra and Wednesdays with Roosevelt's top orchestra, Senior Orchestra and also receive one weekly 30-minute pull-out lesson. Students perform all the Intermediate repertoire and 1-2 of the Senior pieces for each concert. In addition, Senior-mediate students must complete a mini seating audition for each concert cycle and continue to work on their certificate levels. In addition to the Intermediate activities, these students are invited to attend the Roosevelt University clinic in the Spring. Students that complete Level 12 by April 15th are eligible to attend the Six Flags Festival in May.

Senior Orchestra

As Roosevelt's top orchestra, this ensemble performs advanced middle school and early high school repertoire. Senior students rehearse Tuesdays and Wednesdays before school, receive one weekly 30-minute pull out lesson during school, and complete a seating audition for every concert cycle. Like the Intermediate Orchestra, Senior Orchestra has three evening concerts and an Awards Breakfast in May. In addition, Senior Orchestra members have many enrichment opportunities throughout the year, including the ILMEA Festival, the D90 Solo/Ensemble festival, OrchestraFest Clinic, Senior String Workshop, Roosevelt University Clinic, and Six Flags Festival in May.

Elementary students with advanced playing experience may request a placement audition for this orchestra. Parents are responsible for transportation to and from rehearsal for elementary members. Members in 4th grade also receive a 30-minute pull-out lesson during the school day at their home school.