This advanced ensemble is designed for students who have completed beginning strings or its equivalent in private study and is a high level performing group. The goals of this class are to develop teamwork, learn music concepts and skills in alignment with Standards for Music Education and perform in concerts and festivals. Students will learn about different musical styles and continue to develop their technical skills. The students will also begin to cultivate their abilities to critically analyze their performances and the performances of others. Students who did not take strings at A.C. Stelle must audition for Mr. Kimball.
Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, 7:00 pm, C-PAEC
Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, 7:00 pm C-PAEC
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, 7:00 pm, C-PAEC
BOW GRIP RECOMMENDED: Stringvision Bowgrip
- Work music into your daily routine by setting aside a time early in the day to practice
- Take lessons from a private music teacher who is a professional on your instrument
- Check out your local music store for music to play!
The Rubank Classic Festival Solos and Concert and Contest Collection are books of solos with piano accompaniment, which are suggested sources of solos for the Director's Award.
There is a lot of music available for you to play for fun. There are books of movie themes and classical favorites. Invite some friends over and play together. Give a concert!
How do you play with a friend who plays a different instrument when they also play different notes? I will use the Warner Music Publishing book “Star Wars” as an example. “Star Wars” is available for every instrument. You can play with your friends from these books. If you have a question, the salesperson at the music store can help you.
Click on the links below to hear recordings and see sheet music:
Students MUST be logged into their LVUSD e-mail to access all files
1. All students must have a pencil with a good eraser at every rehearsal.
2. Every student will need his or her own folder in class every day.
3. Students may receive a lesson book, which must be covered.
4. Handling instruments and/or the personal belongings of others is strictly prohibited.
1. Listen and concentrate during class
2. Work together
1. Practice regularly and complete practice reports weekly
2. Check the String Orchestra website regularly
3. Have first and last name clearly labeled on the inside and outside of folders, books, and cases
4. Be at all performances
1. Students need to wear the complete uniform at all performances (Red ACS Music polo shirt, black slacks, black shoes, long black socks. No heels, skirts, jeans, or leggings)
2. Performances are like final exams and cannot be made up
3. All groups have scheduled performances throughout the year. These performances are a required part of the curriculum.
4. Conflicts must be submitted to your teacher in writing by a parent at least 6 weeks prior to the performance date. Failure to do so results in a lowered grade.
1. Encourage their student to do his/her best
2. Monitor practicing. Students do not improve by avoiding challenges
3. Provide a quiet place to practice away from interruptions and distractions (i.e. TV, phone, games, siblings, pets, etc.)
4. Check the A. C. Stelle website for assignments and information regularly
5. Encourage your student to perform for you and your family. Praise improvement
6. Keep equipment, instruments, and materials in good condition
7. Careful scheduling of orthodontist and other medical appointments
8. Mark all performances on a calendar
9. Attend all performances
50% Concerts / Performances / Playing
40% Classwork / Classroom Evaluation
10% Homework / Practice Reports
50% Concerts / Performances / Playing
- Concerts or Performances are your public displays of your work and what you have learned. This is the ultimate and most authentic assessment for choral music classes.
- Attend and perform at the concert and receive full credit.
- Missed concerts and performances can be made up as late as one week before the final grading period of the semester to erase a zero on a concert grade.
- In class performances for your peers - this includes playing and placement tests!
40% Classwork / Classroom Evaluation
- Do you come to class prepared and with all necessary materials? (Folder, music, pencil, etc.)
- Did you participate fully? Did you stay in your seat? Were you talking or playing out of turn?
- Do you sing properly with good posture?
- When absent, or planning to be absent, do you ask Mr. Kimball what you missed or will miss?
10% Homework / Practice Reports
- Worksheets, concert reflections, time sensitive tear-offs, etc.
- For each day late (of unexcused absence), the homework will be worth 10% less.
- Practicing at home - complete and turn in Music Journals!
Test score 90-100%
“A” 100% accuracy of notes and rhythms, good tone quality and breath support, articulation and dynamics
Test score 80-89%
“B” Most notes and rhythms correct. Inconsistent but good tone quality and breath support, inconsistent articulation and weak dynamics
Test score 70-79%
“C” Some inaccuracies in notes and rhythms, very inconsistent tone quality and breath support, poor articulation and dynamics
Test score 60-69%
“D” Severe problems with notes and rhythms, poor tone production, dynamics and articulation
Test score 0-59%
“F” No appreciable understanding of notes and rhythms, tone quality support, dynamics or articulation
Outstanding (O)
This student consistently shows respect for others in the group and follows the classroom rules. They never interfere with the learning of others. They display a positive attitude toward the group and continuously tries to improve.
Satisfactory (S)
This student sometimes needs to be reminded to respect others and follow the classroom rules.
Needs Improvement (N)
This student is not prepared and ready to work. Causes some distraction preventing others from learning.
Unsatisfactory (U)
This student has a poor attitude and makes no attempt to follow the classroom rules, which brings down the ability of the group to learn and improve.
Outstanding (O)
This student has turned in all assignments.
Satisfactory (S)
This student has turned in most assignments.
Needs Improvement (N)
This student is missing most assignments.
Unsatisfactory (U)
This student has only turned in 0-2 assignments