Grade Level Orchestra & Ensemble Information

Crone Orchestra Resource HUB

6th, 7th & 8th Grade Orchestras

6th Grade Orchestra is a beginning orchestra class, teaching the students fundamental technique skills to play their string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). Students will learn ensemble skills and enjoy sharing music together as a community

The 7th and 8th grade orchestras are intermediate to advanced level orchestra classes that focus on teaching students collaborative ensemble skills as well as helping students to refine their musicianship and playing technique. Students will work together in community to achieve common goals and progress.

Combo students (students choosing both orchestra and chorus) will alternate orchestra days and chorus days. Every Monday and Thursday will be orchestra days. Each Wednesday will alternate, having orchestra one week and chorus the next. A combo schedule will be shared with students to help assist in their participation of both classes. Please be sure students are prepared with their instrument and materials on orchestra days.

All assignments and resources can be found on student Google Classroom pages AND links to all information can be accessed through the Crone Orchestra Resource HUB (also posted above).

Chamber Orchestra & Swingin' Strings

Chamber Orchestra is a performing ensemble that meets before school on Tuesday and Friday mornings from 6:45-7:45. The goal of this ensemble is to provide advanced and mature middle school orchestra students with the opportunity to play with the other experienced musicians in our orchestra program in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Students must audition to be a member of Chamber Orchestra. The Crone Middle School Chamber Orchestra is designed to help these students develop higher level skills through learning advanced orchestra literature, experiencing participation in a rigorous orchestra, and understanding how to interpret music by exploring various styles and forms of expression. This is the premier ensemble of the Crone Orchestra Department, so we look to our Chamber students to be leaders in the program and represent the very best of the department personally and musically!! We expect our Chamber Orchestra students to positively contribute to building a supportive and musically rigorous community of students who seek to better themselves as people and musicians.

Swingin' Strings is an extra curricular non-audition ensemble. It is open to all students in 7th and 8th grade, and those 6th grade students who have at least 1 year of playing experience. Swingin' Strings meets once a week before school from 6:45am-7:45am on Thursday mornings. Students will explore different types of music such as fiddle tunes, pop and movie tunes, as well as other alternate styles of music. Participation in this group is an excellent opportunity to learn fun music while enhancing ensemble skills.

Participation in both Swingin' Strings and Chamber Orchestra is a full year commitment. If you are interested in participating, please return read the information carefully and return the permission slip to your orchestra teacher at the beginning of the school year.