This is a performance course in which students who play or would like to learn to play string instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) rehearse and perform music from the standard orchestral repertoire. The students learn to play the music at the highest standard possible. While the repertoire changes each year, the level of the music is considered either beginning or intermediate by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association and is representative of the major musical periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Twentieth Century). With each selection the students perform, they learn the background of the piece, the composer and the musical era. In addition, fundamentals of music theory are a part of the course. The school provides most instruments. Each student must budget his/her time for outside practice if he or she is to make progress. Because of the performance nature of this class, participation in rehearsals and performances before, during, and after the regular school day and on non-school days is expected and is part of the course curriculum. This course meets the University of California Visual & Performing Arts “f” requirement.