about our Orchestras

Hammond Middle School Orchestras

The HMS Orchestra Syllabus and Handbook can be found here.

String Ensemble 

This group is for 6th grade students. The String Ensemble meets every day, and students also attend a

special sectional rehearsal about once every other week. Sectionals are scheduled so that no student

misses the same class more than twice per quarter. During sectionals, students receive focused

instruction, take performance quizzes, and work on improving their skills. Students are responsible for

catching up on any work missed in their other classes.

String Orchestra

The String Orchestra is open to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. This class meets daily, with sectional

rehearsals held approximately every other week. As with the String Ensemble, students are not pulled from

the same class more than twice per quarter. Sectionals are used for skill development, performance

assessments, and learning instrument-specific techniques. Students must make up any missed

assignments from their other classes.

Chamber Orchestra

This advanced group is for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Chamber Orchestra meets every day, and

students participate in sectional rehearsals about every other week, following the same rotation policy.

Sectionals focus on advanced skills, performance quizzes, and individual progress. As the premier

ensemble, additional after-school rehearsals and clinics may be scheduled as needed. Students are

responsible for any work missed in their other classes.

PREK-12 MUSIC GRADING STANDARDS

Mus s1: Refinement & Composition: Develops and applies strategies to generate and express a variety of musical ideas.

Mus s2: Musicianship: Uses best practices and experiences to inform and develop an authentic voice.

Mus s3: Applied Skills & Technical Development: Demonstrates skills and strategies appropriate to music-making.

Mus s4: Procedures & Practices: Demonstrates appropriate musical practices in the classroom or rehearsal environment.

Mus s5: Reflection: Communicates an understanding of concepts and strategies through the evaluation of music.

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