Class Offerings

Beginning Orchestra

This class is open to all middle school students who want to learn to play a string instrument- no prior experience playing an instrument is needed. It is designed for students to learn the basics of string playing that will enable to move into upper level string classes. In this class students will learn to play a string instrument of their choosing: violin, viola, cello, or string bass. The violin must be provided by student. There are several violas, cellos, and string bass's that are owned by the school and available to students for a yearly maintenance fee of $40.

Intermediate Orchestra

Intermediate orchestra is open to students who have at least one year of playing experience. Students are placed into this class by teacher recommendation. Students will expand technical and ensemble skills including extended range major scales, more complex rhythmic content and expand their technical and theory skills while performing a large variety of music repertoire of many different genres. This orchestra has three mandatory performances per year: Winter Concert, All City Concert, and the Spring Concert. Students will also have the opportunity to participate other city wide orchestra events and concert tours. Students who take this class are required to practice on their own and are encouraged to take private lessons. Students playing violin must supply their own instrument. Several school owned violas, cellos, and string bass are available to students for a $40 yearly maintenance fee through the school.

Advanced Orchestra

Entrance into the Advanced Orchestra is upon the orchestra director’s recommendation. Students must have shown exemplary performance in their previous orchestra class and advanced technical skills.Students will expand technical and ensemble skills including extended range major scales, more complex rhythmic content and expand their technical and theory skills while performing a large variety of music repertoire of many different genres. There are 4 mandatory performances for Advanced Orchestra: the Winter Concert, All City Concert, and Spring Concert, and the Graduation Ceremony. In addition to mandatory concerts students will have the opportunity to participate Southeastern MA music festivals and events. Students who take this class are required to practice on their own and are encouraged to take private lessons. Students playing violin must supply their own instrument. Several school owned violas, cellos, and string bass are available to students for a $40 yearly maintenance fee through the school.