Thinking about joining the Panther Orchestra here at Navo?

Here are some frequently asked questions about Orchestra!

Can I participate even if I don't have any Orchestra experience?

Yes! At Navo, we have all levels of Orchestra, from beginning Orchestra to Junior Varsity and Varsity. If you take private lessons, it will help you excel in the Orchestra program!

What can I do if I have prior experience in Orchestra?

If you have experience from programs like the Strings Project at UNT or from private lessons, contact Mrs. Dominguez and send her a video of you playing your favorite song! If your skills are developed enough, you might get to start out in a higher level Orchestra!

Which instruments can I choose from in Orchestra?

Violin - The Violin is the highest voiced instrument in the Orchestra. It is held on the shoulder and can be played with the bow or plucked.

Viola - The Viola is the alto voice of the Orchestra. It is held on the shoulder like the violin, but it's sound is deeper and richer. Violas can also be bowed or plucked.

Cello - The Cello is the tenor voice of the Orchestra and is played sitting down. The cello has a dark, rich, low tone.

Double Bass - The Double Bass is the bass voice of the Orchestra and can be played sitting or standing, bowed or plucked.

All instruments come in many different sizes to fit any sized player. No instrument is better or worse for students with regard to the student's height, arm length or hand size. Pick the instrument that has the sound that you like best.

Is playing a string instrument hard?

Just like learning any new skill, it takes dedication and practice in order to become successful. Playing an instrument is fun, challenging, and rewarding. We will provide you with all the tools you need to take your playing as far as you want to go! In orchestra here at Navo, we will learn all different styles and genres of music which makes learning even better!

What kind of songs will we get to play?

In Orchestra we get to play all different styles of music. We get to play fun, adventurous music like Impulse and Dragon Slayer, slow pretty songs like Canyon Sunset and Scarborough Fair, fiddle songs like Arkansas Traveler, rock and roll songs like Thriller and Eleanor Rigby as well as pieces by famous composers like Beethoven and Mozart! String instruments are well-suited to any style of music, which makes playing them really fun!

Why should I choose to be in orchestra in the 6th grade and not another elective?

Great Question! Stringed instruments are played with a bow (the long wooden stick thing). The bow is our special voice and we can play lots of cool techniques with it. Starting orchestra in the sixth grade will better prepare you for all the fun and cool pieces you want to play later. If you know you want to play an instrument, play in the orchestra your sixth grade year, then in your seventh grade you can choose another elective to add.

What other fun things do we get to do in Orchestra?

Besides getting to learn an awesome instrument and develop the skills to play music, we get to do lots of fun activities throughout the year. One of the most fun activities Orchestra students get to participate in are Concerts! Concerts are fun because you learn lots of music, and then you get to perform it for your friends and family and teachers! In Orchestra class you will be sorted into different houses, kind of like Harry Potter! You and the other students in your house all work together to earn house points, and at the end of each quarter, the house with the most points gets a reward! One more really fun thing about Orchestra is the opportunity to participate in Orchestra Council! Orchestra Council is a select group of Orchestra students who get to help with things like planning parties, decorating our classroom and bulletin boards, working in our Orchestra Library and more! These are just SOME of the fun things we get to do in Orchestra. There are many more!

Do we go on any field trips in Orchestra?

Yes! In the past the beginning Orchestra students have competed at contests held at amusement parks like Sandy Lake and Pride of Texas. You will have to stay tuned to see where we get to go this year!

Do you have more questions?

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Dominguez at anytime by emailing her at sdominguez@dentonisd.org.