Orchestra

Spring Concert Repertoire (Monday, June 1st Concert)

Fantasia on a Theme from Thailand by Richard Meyer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qobAjZnQEtI

Brandenburg Concerto, No. 2 by J.S. Bach (professional version, not the exact version we have)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwCh4spYRwg

West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein/Arr. Moss

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrckC6BoiJg


Winter Concert Repertoire (Tuesday, Jan 14th Concert)

The Tell-Tale Heart by Michael Story

https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10364399

Blue Ridge Run by Alan Lee Silva

https://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10093770

Divertimento No. 12, K. 252 IV. Finale: Presto Assai- W.A. Mozart arr. Sandra Dackow

http://media.lucksmusic.com/mp3/40598.mp3

Playing in the School Orchestra is a wonderful activity! You are with your friends; you get to express yourself; you learn a life-long skill; and you perform in concerts. Here at Bigelow Middle School, the Orchestra performs two concerts: a Winter Concert and a Spring Concert.

Wind players (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, and saxophone) as well as brass and percussion players should sign up for the CONCERT BAND (6th grade) or SYMPHONIC BAND (7th/8th grade).

Members of the Orchestra are expected to take lessons and to practice daily so they can play their music to the very best of their ability. Practice Tips

General Information:

Orchestra meets on Days 3 & 6 and is open to musicians in all grades who are string players (violin, viola, cello, bass). There is only room for two pianists, so students who play piano must contact Ms. Bergantino before signing up for Orchestra. It is not for beginners on any instrument. Students who are unable to play the music will be expected to work very hard, take lessons, and catch up before actually joining the ensemble on stage.

BEFORE REHEARSAL:

  • Unpack
  • Set up your chair and stand
  • Tune (ask for help from an older student or from Ms. Bergantino if you need it)

AFTER REHEARSAL:

  • put the music back in the folder and close it
  • Loosen your bow
  • Wipe down your instrument with a piece of cotton or flannel cloth. Get all fingerprints and Rosin off.
  • Don't put music inside your case! It wasn't designed to protect anything but your instrument.
  • Help put the chairs and stands away.


Orchestra members may also sing in the chorus. Both groups meet at the same time, across the hall. To do this, Orchestra members must first:

  1. Get Ms. Bergantino's permission and Ms. Albert's permission
  2. Be Signed up for Private Lessons
  3. go to Band on Day 1 and Chorus on Day 4 unless we arrange otherwise
  4. Be ready at any time to play the Orchestra music for Ms. Bergantino

Being in both groups means that kids are in each group for half the time, so they must work that much harder.

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Because it is against the law to photocopy music, we use original copies in the classroom folders. The paper is heavier and easy to read. Those folders never leave the room. I am permitted, however, to make photocopies for home practice. I use yellow, blue, or any color paper other than white, to further distinguish them from the originals. Those practice copies go home and stay there. Any extra practice copies are recycled after the concert.

Grading:

Each student will receive a letter grade on the report card at the end of each term. The grade is based on three things:

1) Class Performance (50%): Position/Posture, Participation, Materials

2) Performances/Tests (40%): Grading will be based on the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) Concert Festival Performance Rubric which includes these categories: Tone Quality, Balance & Blend, Intonation, Expression/Style/Phrasing, Dynamics, Rhythm/Precision/Tempo, Articulation/Bowing, Technique, and Stage Presence.

3) Quizzes/Homework (10%): Playing Quizzes will be given occasionally and will be graded based on the same rubric as the Performances (stated above).

Check the Schoology class page for updates on grades/assignments.

Materials Needed:

  • Pencil with eraser - NO PENS! You should keep this in your case or class music folder.
  • Nametag on Instrument Case - MUST include family name and telephone number
  • Folder to take home Practice Copies of music (a Music Binder for in class is provided)
  • Metronome
  • Instrument and any necessary maintenance supplies:
    • Rosin
    • Soft cleaning cloth (a soft handkerchief works well)
    • Shoulder Rest

All materials can be found at a local music store (go to Resources), Amazon.com or WWBW.com

Here are some orchestra links:

Boston Symphony Orchestra (including Pops and Tanglewood) -www.bso.org

A Look at Carnegie Hall in New York City-http://www.carnegiehall.org/jsps/intro.jsp

Hilary Hahn's website- http://www.hilaryhahn.com/

Midori's website (you can choose English or Japanese)- http://www.gotomidori.com/