Orchestras

Dr. Joel Shonkwiler, Director of Orchestras

Dr. Joel Shonkwiler is the director for all the Franklin Central orchestras below. Dr. Shonkwiler holds a Master of Music from Indiana Univeristy and received his Doctor of Music from the Ohio State University. He has been the orchestra director at Franklin Central since 2018. Dr. Shonkwiler is married and has three school-age children.  

Camerata

Camerata is the Advanced String Orchestra class at FC and meets during 5th period. These musicians perform complex and demanding works by celebrated composers and new masters. We work to incorporate advanced scale, position and bowing work and being a leader from every chair. Camerata competes as an ISSMA Group I String Orchestra, and performs Grade 3-5 literature. Placement is by audition only, and private lessons are strongly encouraged.

Symphony

Symphony is the Intermediate String Orchestra class at FC and meets during 7th period. These musicians explore a broader range of tone colors on their instrument. They perform music with greater independence in each part and increasing levels of complexity. Symphony competes as an ISSMA Group II String Orchestra, and performs Grade 2-4 literature. Placement is by audition only, and private lessons are strongly encouraged.

Academy

Academy is the Developing String Orchestra class for non-freshman at FC and meets during 6th period.  These musicians work to improve tonal clarity, projection and intonation, as well as increasing their range of dynamics, bow usage and scale understanding. Academy competes as an ISSMA Group IV String Orchestra, and performs Grade 1-3 literature. There is no audition for this orchestra.

Cadet

Cadet is the Beginning String Orchestra class for freshman at FC and meets first period.  These musicians work to improve tonal clarity, projection and intonation, as well as increasing their range of dynamics, bow usage and scale understanding. Cadet competes as an ISSMA Group IV String Orchestra, and performs Grade 1-3 literature. There is no audition for this orchestra.