Advanced Orchestra

DESCRIPTION

Advanced Orchestra is for students who consistently and comfortably adhere to the expectations and responsibilities of Orchestra. Advanced Orchestra allows students to pursue learning more challenging skills at a higher level of musicianship. Students will have additional performance opportunities in the district and community. All Advanced Orchestra students must also be a member of the Orchestra.

Students are chosen for Advanced Orchestra by audition. Audition music will be worked on together in string classes. Auditions are submitted through Canvas. There will be auditions in October and February.

REHEARSALS

Advanced Orchestra rehearses on select FRIDAY mornings at GWYNEDD SQUARE. Students need to arrive between 7:30-7:45 in order to be tuned and warm up for rehearsal. Rehearsals will begin promptly at 8 AM and end at 9 AM. Inglewood students are bussed back to Inglewood at the conclusion of rehearsal.

EXPECTATIONS

Instrument Technique

• Mastery of Posture and Instrument position

• Mastery of Left Hand (Left hand shape and position) 

• Performs with accurate intonation 

  • All notes in tune - fingers landing accurately

  • Developing the ability to adjust to what they hear around them

• Proficient Right Hand (Bow hand shape and placement)

• Performs with a quality tone

  • Clear and focused (no scratches, whispers, squeaks, etc.)

  • Comfortable using full bows

Reading Skills

• Proficient Key Signature Recognition (D major, G major, C major)

  • Know key signature symbols and how they translate to corresponding hand positions

  • Performs all accidentals 

• Mastery of Time Signature Recognition

• Mastery of Note Reading on all 4 strings. 

• Mastery of basic rhythm counting/execution

  • Quarter notes, eighth notes, half notes, whole notes, and corresponding rests

• Accurately follow bow direction symbols

Student Expectations

• Attends all lessons, rehearsals, and performances

  • Students must attend all lessons and rehearsals they are in school. Absences are approved at the discretion of the director. 100% commitment to the group and calendar are expected. 

  • Students will be responsible for making up any work that is missed.

• Come to lessons and rehearsals prepared with all materials (music, instrument, pencil)

• Students are completing assignments and mastering star songs in a timely manner.

• All ORCHESTRA concert music should be mastered and receive a star. 

• Students use strategies used in class to prepare their work at home

• Attentive and focused during lessons and rehearsals

• Is committed to adequate practice time outside of school (learning the material may require more practice time than they are used to)

• Responds to coaching for improvement 

REHEARSAL DATES

10/24

11/7

11/21

1/23

1/30

2/13

2/27

3/13

3/27

4/10

4/24

5/1

5/8

PRACTICE TIPS

• Consistency is key!! Aim to practice every day.

• Listen! Listen to example of artists playing your instrument - can you imitate their sound?

• Work on SMALL chunks. Work on that chunk until you can play it three times in a row with no mistakes.

• Practice slowly to begin. You can increase speed as you build comfort.

• Finish a practice session by playing something fun! Play a favorite song or make up your own.