HMX Orchestra

Welcome to the Hommocks Middle School Orchestra Program!

At Hommocks we have 250 string students playing in five different orchestras. Students participate in grade level ensembles, exploring a wide variety of repertoire in multiple genres. Our curriculum is built on reinforcing and expanding string technique, ensemble playing, and music literacy. Additionally, these young musicians can participate in the Camerata and Hommocks Chamber Orchestras, our early morning select ensembles.

All string orchestra students participate in vibrant concerts throughout the school year. Please see individual grade level pages for more specific information.

Students in 6th Grade Orchestra have an in school rehearsal every other day and receive a group lesson once a week. While this orchestra is a continuation of the building on foundations learned in elementary school, it is also an introduction to the more advanced technique, repertoire and ensemble playing that is expected and cultivated in Middle School Orchestra. Students also begin to explore self-expression through their instrument through the process of composition and improvisation , they are introduced to more advanced repertoire and technique, music theory (major and minor scales), and music history components. They perform at the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts.

Students in 7th Grade Orchestra have an in school rehearsal every other day and receive a group lesson once a week. Continuing to build on foundations learned in 6th Grade, they are introduced to more advanced repertoire and technique including rock and jazz. They perform at the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts.

Students in 8th Grade Orchestra have an in school rehearsal every other day and receive a group lesson once a week. Continuing to build on foundations learned in 7th Grade, they are introduced to more advanced repertoire and technique including rock, jazz and 20th Century music. They perform at the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts.

Camerata Orchestra is for advanced 6th and 7th Grade Orchestra students already enrolled in their grade level ensemble. This orchestra meets before school once a week and is by audition only. This orchestra is for the serious young player who is looking for an enriched orchestral experience. They perform at the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts and participate in special extra concerts, trips, and competitions.

Hommocks Chamber Orchestra is the premiere string ensemble at Hommocks. This orchestra is for the most advanced 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra students already enrolled in their grade level ensemble. Chamber Orchestra meets before school once a week and is by audition only. They perform at the Winter and Spring Orchestra Concerts and participate in special extra concerts, trips, and competitions.