Students

EXPERIENCE RAMSEY ORCHESTRA

"Strive for perfection. Then give 20% or 30% more."

This page for specifically for current orchestra students enrolled that need any information such as materials, documents, resources for developing music reading and string pedagogy. Practice every day and see what you'll be able to do next!

Students can also find all resources needed on Google Classroom!

Each orchestra will give a fall, winter, KMEA preview, KMEA Assessment, and spring concerts. All of these are required for a grade but can be made up if missed. See director for questions.

The "Grade #" are the levels of literature depending on how challenging the music is. Grade 6 is the highest KMEA sheet music can be graded. 8th grade typically pushed Grade 3-4.

6th Grade - Grade 1

Year long related arts are the only "first choice" classes. The first week, we start learning rhythm, pitches, music theory, and about the string family. After learning and watching how to read music and learn the instruments, we will do "Pokemon Day" where you will get to choose a different for three days, then choose your instrument you like best! You will need to be sized for your instrument and will be highly encouraged to start a "rent to own" program if not start already. We have very limited number of each instrument due to the number of students we have enrolled (good problem!). Grades are based on demonstration of standards. Not demonstrating means they cannot provide evidence which will be considered a "missing" assessment. As long as students are mastering standards and following expectations inside and outside the classroom, they will be in orchestra all three years! We will spend this year building strong fundamentals in posture, reading music, collaborating with others, and exploring the opportunities you get by being in the Ramsey Orchestra!

The 4th period rotation class if for students who would like to try orchestra but it is more of an "explore" class. Students go through the same process as the year long but do not choose to be in this class. At the end of the 9 weeks, students will have the option to transition into a new related arts class (choir, gym, art, general music) OR join our year long 3rd period year long class!!

7th Grade - Grade 2-3

Students must master standards in 6th grade to be eligible for 7th grade Intermediate Orchestra, meaning this class is a prerequisite. Beginners cannot join this class unless permission from the director. The 7th grade year is where we really start to cover many standards and pushing more challenging literature. Students are expected to practice outside of class more but get more opportunities to showcase their abilities! Students really start to notice their sound maturing and enjoying the challenge of hard literature!

*The photo shown is our last day of school tradition of going head to head in a Super Smash Brothers tournament!*

8th Grade - Grade 3-4

Students must master standards in 6th AND 7th grade to be eligible for 8th grade Advanced Orchestra, meaning this class is also a prerequisite. Beginners are not able to join this class as they will be too far behind and would need to learn two years of standards to keep up with the rest of the class. This class focuses heavily on literature and pushing the limit to what they can perform as a group! The advanced orchestra also travels to local areas and elementary schools to perform for the community!

*The photo shown is our orchestra's tradition of going to Dave and Busters after KMEA Large Ensemble Assessment! It's the most exiting day of the year for us!*

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