Onsom Orchestra

The Onsom Orchestra aims to provide enthusiastic String, Wind, Brass and Percussion UP students to collaboratively rehearse and perform as a large orchestra ensemble, enabling it’s participants to further enrich the artistic education and performance experience of the UP Band and String ASA musicians.


Onsom Orchestra is for Grade 3-5 students interested in a unique ensemble experience, collaborating with instrumentalists from the String  Program and Rising Band.   Students are expected to engage in teamwork, refine music skills, and develop personal and artistic expression through orchestral music. 


This is a second ensemble for the Onsom musicians thus further commitment to personal practice to foster musical growth and aesthetic awareness is required.  The Onsom Orchestra is a rehearsal ensemble, where students are expected to independently practice and hone their skills.  


Onsom has a higher personal management expectations, and appointments are reviewed at the end of the Winter Performance Season prior to the start of the Spring Season rehearsals.


Onsom Orchestra students are selected by the Directors of the Band and String Programs with a view to have a balanced orchestral ensemble.  

Band students are drawn from the Rising Band class, and String students can be selected from all programs according to instrumentation and balance needs.

Onsom Orchestra rehearses at 3pm on Friday during the ASA Term One and Term Two.

Students in Onsom play in only one other Ensemble class.

Rising Band students in Onsom do not attend Thursday 3pm Rising Band Rehearsal.

Con Brio students do not attend a second Con Brio class.



Learning Expectations for the Onsom Ensemble student:

Commitment:

Course = 45 minutes per week

Personal Practice = 60+ minutes per week.

Onsom Orchestra performs at both Band and String concerts.  This group is a rehearsal ensemble.  Onsom musicians are expected to engage in the practice and post-rehearsal notes to be prepared for the Onsom rehearsal.