Curriculum

6th grade (FM Orchestra)

1st 9 weeks: We will work toward completion of the Essential Elements book 1. We will focus heavily on fundamentals of technique. Theory: worksheets on rhythm, note reading, and terminology. Students needing additional enrichment challenges are encouraged to work on a region audition packet.

2nd 9 weeks: Begin Essential Elements book 2 and winter concert pieces. Begin preparation for Winter concert. Begin vibrato and shifting exercises. One octave scale study with rhythms and articulations. Theory: continue rhythm, note-reading, and terminology.

3rd 9 weeks: Continue Essential Elements book 2 and orchestra literature. Continue one octave scale study with rhythms and articulations. Begin 2 octave scales. Vibrato and shifting exercises. Continue theory study worksheets. Solo and Ensemble preparation and rehearsals.

4th 9 weeks: Begin Essential Technique book. Focus on 2 octave scales. Shifting exercises will advance to alternating fingers. Double stops. Additional technical exercises. Continue theory study worksheets. Begin preparation for spring concert and auditions.

WAM Orchestras

1st 9 weeks: Essential Technique book. Technique through warm-up. 1 and 2 octave scales with rhythm and articulations. Focus on correct positioning and fundamentals. Theory: rhythm, note-reading, terminology.

2nd 9 weeks: Essential Technique. Technique through warm-up. Begin Winter concert preparations. Theory: rhythm, note-reading, time signatures, scales. Technical exercises.

3rd 9 weeks: Concert preparation. Solo & Ensemble preparation. Technique through warm-up additional scales. Continue theory study. Possible UIL preparation: sightreading and concert pieces.

4th 9 weeks: Spring Concert preparation. Technique through warm-up. Technical exercises. Continue theory study. Audition preparation.

CD Orchestra

1st 9 weeks: Essential Technique (book 3). Technique through warm-up through page 3. Region Orchestra audition preparations. Theory study.

2nd 9 weeks: Essential Technique (book 3). Technique through warm-up through page 4. Winter concert preparations. Theory study. Begin UIL Concert and Sightreading preparation.

3rd 9 weeks: Essential Technique. Technique through warm-up. UIL Concert and Sightreading preparation. Festival Contest preparation. Theory study. Tuning completely independently.

4th 9 weeks: Essential Technique. Technique through warm-up. Spring concert preparation. Theory study. Audition preparation.