Orchestra
The HMS string orchestra program is a continuation of the 6th grade orchestra experience. The HMS program is continuing to grow and offers great opportunities for mastering technique and music reading skills through rehearsals, small group lessons, and performance.
Hillsborough Middle School features three orchestras:
Concert Orchestra
Concert Orchestra is the ensemble that most 7th graders are placed at the beginning of the year.
Rehearsal Meetings:
Monday and Thursday mornings, arrival time between 7:00 - 7:20 AM
Rehearsal begins promptly at 7:30 AM
Symphonic Orchestra
Symphonic Orchestra is a mixed ensemble of 7th and 8th graders.
Rehearsal Meetings:
Tuesday and Friday mornings, arrival time between 7:00 - 7:20 AM
Rehearsal begins promptly at 7:30 AM
Chamber Orchestra
Rehearsal Meetings:
Wednesday mornings, arrival time between 7:00 - 7:20 AM
Rehearsal begins promptly at 7:30 AM
Students participating in Chamber Orchestra will continue as part of the Symphonic Orchestra on Tuesday and Friday mornings in addition to Wednesday Chamber rehearsals
Weekly Chamber Orchestra rehearsals do NOT replace daily private practice, which is required to be a member of the Chamber Orchestra. Please understand that the level of commitment expected of you to participate in this ensemble is very high. Please fill out the form linked below if you wish to audition for Chamber Orchestra.
Please note the following:
IMPORTANT: Audition slots are in the morning before school and during Lunch/Study Periods only.
Each student is allowed to sign up for ONE slot - please make sure you are only signed up ONCE. If there is a duplicate sign up, I will audition you during the earlier time slot.
This will be the only opportunity this school year to audition for Chamber Orchestra
Please arrive to your audition on time! If you are late, I will only be able to give you the remaining time in your slot.
Chamber Orchestra meets on Wednesday mornings beginning the week of October 7, from 7:30 AM - 8:20 AM.
Weekly attendance is mandatory. If you miss a rehearsal, you may be asked to leave Chamber Orchestra for the rest of the year.
You are excused from rehearsal if you are absent from school that day.
8th GRADERS: If you were in Chamber Orchestra last year, you MUST AUDITION AGAIN THIS YEAR to be considered for Chamber Orchestra!
You must continue to participate in Symphonic Orchestra rehearsals on Tuesday and Friday mornings while in Chamber Orchestra. Please keep this in mind when you decide to participate in Chamber Orchestra.
Please note that there are approximately 15-20 open slots available in the Chamber Orchestra ensemble.
Audition Requirements:
All students will be required to prepare the following for their Chamber Orchestra Audition:
Scales (see below for scale requirements for your specific instrument)
Solo piece or excerpt (can either be a piece worked on in private lessons, i.e. Suzuki method, or similar OR an excerpt of melody line from a piece performed in orchestra), approximately 2 minutes in length
Sight-Reading (I will provide the sight-reading piece for you)
Scales: Please perform as single-bow quarter notes at metronome marking of quarter beat = 80
Violins - G major (2 or 3 octaves), F major (1 or 2 octaves), and A major (2 or 3 octaves)
Violas - G major (1 or 2 octaves), F major (1 or 2 octaves), and A major (1 octave)
Cellos - G major (2 or 3 octaves), F major (1 or 2 octaves), and A major (1 octave)
Basses - D major (1 octave), G major (1 or 2 octaves), F major (1 or 2 octaves)