Chamber Strings

DESCRIPTION

Chamber Strings is composed of the most proficient Orchestra members from Gwynedd Square and Inglewood. Chamber Strings performs at an even higher level than Advanced Orchestra. This group is designed for students who go above and beyond in our string program both inside and outside of school. Students will have additional performance opportunities in the district community and take a trip together in the spring.

Students are chosen for Chamber Strings by audition. Audition music is distributed in April and students are expected to use the skills they have learned in school to learn the music on their own. Auditions will be in person in late May. 

Since its inception, Chamber Strings has been awarded top honors at music adjudications which include consistent Superior ratings, 1st and 2nd place distinctions and Best Overall Orchestra awards. Chamber strings has also been recognized as a model program by the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and has received commendations from the North Penn School Board.

REHEARSALS

Chamber Strings rehearses every TUESDSAY afternoon at INGLEWOOD. Students need to arrive between by 4:00 PM in order to be tuned and warm up for rehearsal. Rehearsals will begin promptly at 4:15 PM and end at 5:15 PM. Families are responsible for all transportation to and from rehearsals. 

EXPECTATIONS

Instrument Technique

• Mastery of Posture and Instrument position

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

• Plays with accurate intonation 

  • All notes in tune - fingers landing accurately

  • Can adjust intonation as they listen to the ensemble 

• Mastery of Right Hand (Bow hand shape and placement)

• Performs with a quality tone

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

• Beginning vibrato

Reading Skills

• Mastery of 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

• Accurately interpret a variety of articulations

  • Slurs, staccato, hooked bowing, accents, etc. 

• Performs with attention to dynamics 

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)

• Music/assignments LEARNED prior to coming to rehearsal. Students use strategies used in class to prepare their work. 

• Students demonstrate exemplary learning independence. (They know how to learn their music by themselves and use their resources for help when needed.)

• Attentive and focused during lessons and rehearsals

• Is committed to adequate practice time outside of school

• Responds to coaching for improvement 

• Private lessons are strongly encouraged - especially for the refinement of instrument technique and beginning advanced skills.

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.