Strings
Strings
Program Overview
The Lafayette High School Orchestra Department includes six performing groups including the Chamber Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, String Orchestra, the Fiero Strings, and Full Symphony Orchestra. Our program strives to bring together student musicians from the Lafayette Band, Choir, and Theatre Departments to perform both new and established works. Lafayette Orchestra uses an audition process to place students in the appropriate level ensemble. Students admitted to SCAPA strings generally qualify for membership in either Symphonic Orchestra (level 3) or Chamber Orchestra (level 4). Both ensembles consist of both SCAPA and Lafayette students. SCAPA students participate in concerts, recitals, community outreach performances, and mentorship.
Curriculum
String majors focus on advanced left and right hand skills and rehearsal techniques designed to stretch student’s problem solving, critical thinking, and musicianship. In addition to solo performance, string majors focus on small ensemble training and are required to give 2–3 juries and recitals per year. Strings majors are members of the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and perform with students from other departments in a full orchestra experience including winds, brass, percussion, and voice. String majors receive additional instruction from guest clinicians and professional musicians during the school day and after school found in masterclass settings and small group coaching.
Outcomes
String majors have rigorous performance and rehearsal expectations. They develop time management and rehearsal skills that prepare them for the collegiate level. Graduates from SCAPA Lafayette go on to pursue a variety of music degrees from schools all over the country. Members of the Lafayette Orchestra are highly sought after by college instructors from every major orchestra program in Kentucky. Lafayette Orchestra graduates receive generous college scholarships every year.
Program Accolades
SCAPA string students consistently receive Distinguished ratings at KMEA Large Ensemble and Solo and Ensemble performance assessment events. The Lafayette orchestra program regularly receives invitations to perform at state and national music conventions including KMEA in 2015 and 2020 and ASTA in 2018. SCAPA string majors consistently audition and are selected for KMEA all state orchestra. String majors have been accepted to prestigious programs, festivals, and orchestras across the county.
Audition Guides
