Our Orchestras
DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATIONS – K.O. KNUDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATIONS – K.O. KNUDSON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Beginning Orchestra
Beginning Orchestra
Course Description: The BEGINNING Orchestra program at K.O. Knudson Middle School begins in the 6th grade with instruction in violin, viola, cello, and bass. These students focus solely on their particular instrument and also develop beginning ensemble skills with their classmates as well as with other instruments in the string family. Comprised of mostly 6th graders and beginning-level players, these classes start from scratch with everything including posture & position – how to hold the instrument and bow; music literacy – how to read music; intonation and tone production and how to play in tune with the best sound. We also will learn the history behind the music we play, and much more. These classes meet daily and focus on establishing and developing basic musical and performance skills. These orchestras will have two concerts each year, the Winter Concert, and the Spring Concert. In order to retain the new and intricate skills learned in Beginning Orchestra, students are highly encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument.
Course Description: The BEGINNING Orchestra program at K.O. Knudson Middle School begins in the 6th grade with instruction in violin, viola, cello, and bass. These students focus solely on their particular instrument and also develop beginning ensemble skills with their classmates as well as with other instruments in the string family. Comprised of mostly 6th graders and beginning-level players, these classes start from scratch with everything including posture & position – how to hold the instrument and bow; music literacy – how to read music; intonation and tone production and how to play in tune with the best sound. We also will learn the history behind the music we play, and much more. These classes meet daily and focus on establishing and developing basic musical and performance skills. These orchestras will have two concerts each year, the Winter Concert, and the Spring Concert. In order to retain the new and intricate skills learned in Beginning Orchestra, students are highly encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument.
Textbook Used - String Basics Book 1
Textbook Used - String Basics Book 1
Google Classroom Code - Beginning Orchestra Period 4 - xexbjns
Google Classroom Code - Beginning Orchestra Period 4 - xexbjns
Google Classroom Code - Beginning Orchestra Period 6 - 85hskzh
Google Classroom Code - Beginning Orchestra Period 6 - 85hskzh
Intermediate Orchestra
Intermediate Orchestra
Course Description: The Intermediate Orchestra is comprised of students with one or more years of playing experience, in grades 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. In this orchestra, the students continue their musical development by learning new techniques, such as: development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability and tone inherent to string music performance. The Intermediate Orchestra will perform two concerts each year, the Winter Concert, and the Spring Concert. Students in Intermediate Orchestra may participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival based on audition for and approval by the director. It is highly encouraged for students in Intermediate Orchestra to take private lessons on their instrument for mastery of technique and skill.
Course Description: The Intermediate Orchestra is comprised of students with one or more years of playing experience, in grades 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. In this orchestra, the students continue their musical development by learning new techniques, such as: development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability and tone inherent to string music performance. The Intermediate Orchestra will perform two concerts each year, the Winter Concert, and the Spring Concert. Students in Intermediate Orchestra may participate in the Solo & Ensemble Festival based on audition for and approval by the director. It is highly encouraged for students in Intermediate Orchestra to take private lessons on their instrument for mastery of technique and skill.
Textbook Used - String Basics Book 2.
Textbook Used - String Basics Book 2.
Google Classroom Code - Intermediate Orchestra - ax6vi43
Google Classroom Code - Intermediate Orchestra - ax6vi43
PAWS Period
PAWS Period
Course Description: This one-year course is open to all K.O. Knudson Middle School Orchestra students by audition, or placement by the director. It is designed for the student who has developed skills beyond those outlined in Intermediate Orchestra. This class is used as a practice class to get more individualized attention on components that need work. It includes further development of the skills necessary to become independent as a musician. The development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance will be explored at a higher level. Sustained group and individual effort is required. A progression of technical proficiency is expected. This is an elective course that may be repeated.
Course Description: This one-year course is open to all K.O. Knudson Middle School Orchestra students by audition, or placement by the director. It is designed for the student who has developed skills beyond those outlined in Intermediate Orchestra. This class is used as a practice class to get more individualized attention on components that need work. It includes further development of the skills necessary to become independent as a musician. The development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance will be explored at a higher level. Sustained group and individual effort is required. A progression of technical proficiency is expected. This is an elective course that may be repeated.
Google Classroom Code - PAWS Orchestra - yibrwek
Google Classroom Code - PAWS Orchestra - yibrwek
Advanced Orchestra
Advanced Orchestra
Course Description: The Advanced Orchestra is comprised of students with one or more years of playing experience, in grades 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. It is a one-year course and is open to all K.O. Knudson Middle School students by audition, or placement by the director. In this orchestra, the students continue their musical development by learning new techniques and faster, more complex rhythms. Students at this level are studying and further developing style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance, as well as shifting and vibrato. These skills will be explored at a higher level. The Advanced Orchestra will perform two concerts each year, the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert, plus one festival in the Spring. Students may also elect to participate in the Honor Orchestra, and Solo & Ensemble based on Audition for and approval of the director to further develop their individual musicianship. It is highly encouraged for students in Advanced Orchestra to take private lessons on their instrument for mastery of technique and skill.
Course Description: The Advanced Orchestra is comprised of students with one or more years of playing experience, in grades 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. It is a one-year course and is open to all K.O. Knudson Middle School students by audition, or placement by the director. In this orchestra, the students continue their musical development by learning new techniques and faster, more complex rhythms. Students at this level are studying and further developing style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance, as well as shifting and vibrato. These skills will be explored at a higher level. The Advanced Orchestra will perform two concerts each year, the Winter Concert and the Spring Concert, plus one festival in the Spring. Students may also elect to participate in the Honor Orchestra, and Solo & Ensemble based on Audition for and approval of the director to further develop their individual musicianship. It is highly encouraged for students in Advanced Orchestra to take private lessons on their instrument for mastery of technique and skill.
Textbook Used - String Basics Book 3,
Textbook Used - String Basics Book 3,
Google Classroom Code - Advanced Orchestra - gdtpv6b
Google Classroom Code - Advanced Orchestra - gdtpv6b
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is comprised of mostly 7th and 8th graders, admitted through audition or recommendation only by the director. Students in Chamber Orchestra must also be a member of Advanced Orchestra. This class will work toward competency in all major and minor two-octave scales, complex rhythms, vibrato, shifting and sight reading skills. These students show commitment to their orchestra by attending all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts throughout the year while maintaining a disciplined practice routine. The main purpose is to be prepared for high school orchestra, so the expectation of practice and work ethic will be very high. Students will learn advanced techniques such as beginning 3 octave scales and arpeggios, as well as perform increasingly difficult music as the year progresses. Students will be challenged with upper-level literature that will refine their musicianship skills and overall playing technique. These members will also represent K.O. Knudson at Elementary tours, Retirement Tours, Instrument Days, as well as in the CCSD Orchestra Festival, and the ASTA Orchestra Festival. Chamber students are strongly encouraged to try out for Honor Orchestra, and Solo & Ensemble Festival as well. It is also highly recommended for all Chamber Orchestra students to take private lessons on their instrument.
The Chamber Orchestra is comprised of mostly 7th and 8th graders, admitted through audition or recommendation only by the director. Students in Chamber Orchestra must also be a member of Advanced Orchestra. This class will work toward competency in all major and minor two-octave scales, complex rhythms, vibrato, shifting and sight reading skills. These students show commitment to their orchestra by attending all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts throughout the year while maintaining a disciplined practice routine. The main purpose is to be prepared for high school orchestra, so the expectation of practice and work ethic will be very high. Students will learn advanced techniques such as beginning 3 octave scales and arpeggios, as well as perform increasingly difficult music as the year progresses. Students will be challenged with upper-level literature that will refine their musicianship skills and overall playing technique. These members will also represent K.O. Knudson at Elementary tours, Retirement Tours, Instrument Days, as well as in the CCSD Orchestra Festival, and the ASTA Orchestra Festival. Chamber students are strongly encouraged to try out for Honor Orchestra, and Solo & Ensemble Festival as well. It is also highly recommended for all Chamber Orchestra students to take private lessons on their instrument.
Textbook Used - Essentials for Strings.
Textbook Used - Essentials for Strings.
Google Classroom Code - Chamber Orchestra -gaqv04j
Google Classroom Code - Chamber Orchestra -gaqv04j
Orchestra Club - (Orchestra Council - Orco)
Orchestra Club - (Orchestra Council - Orco)
Club Description: This group meets once a month after school and is open to all K. O. Knudson Orchestra students. Orchestra Club students assume leadership roles and responsibilities for all Orchestras. This club will be responsible for helping to organize fund raisers, planning extracurricular orchestra activities, helping out with performances etc. and will act as student liaisons with the director.
Club Description: This group meets once a month after school and is open to all K. O. Knudson Orchestra students. Orchestra Club students assume leadership roles and responsibilities for all Orchestras. This club will be responsible for helping to organize fund raisers, planning extracurricular orchestra activities, helping out with performances etc. and will act as student liaisons with the director.
Google Classroom Code - (Orchestra Council - Orco) - s6hn0a
Google Classroom Code - (Orchestra Council - Orco) - s6hn0a
Placement in these organizations will be determined by the Director based on several factors:
Placement in these organizations will be determined by the Director based on several factors:
1. Playing Ability
1. Playing Ability
2. Need for your instrument
2. Need for your instrument
3. General attitude and work ethic
3. General attitude and work ethic
4. Schedule availability
4. Schedule availability
Seating Policy:
Seating Policy:
The Orchestra Director is responsible for any and all seatings for Concerts/Festivals and any performances.
The Orchestra Director is responsible for any and all seatings for Concerts/Festivals and any performances.
During the year, there will be Audition Playing Tests most Fridays. Students will be required to play the assigned excerpt with the required appropriate criteria. This can include: counting out loud, intonation, musicality, tone, memorization and other attributes necessary for superior performance level excerpts. Students will be seated based on their scores. Students absent on the day of the Audition Playing Test will be seated in the back of the section until the next test, they are also responsible for making up any missed Audition playing tests by playing in person for the director, or upon approval, posting their test to Google Classroom. Students seated as Section leaders and front stands will have certain responsibilities that are required of them.
During the year, there will be Audition Playing Tests most Fridays. Students will be required to play the assigned excerpt with the required appropriate criteria. This can include: counting out loud, intonation, musicality, tone, memorization and other attributes necessary for superior performance level excerpts. Students will be seated based on their scores. Students absent on the day of the Audition Playing Test will be seated in the back of the section until the next test, they are also responsible for making up any missed Audition playing tests by playing in person for the director, or upon approval, posting their test to Google Classroom. Students seated as Section leaders and front stands will have certain responsibilities that are required of them.
Leading A Section:
Leading A Section:
Good Orchestra section players listen, count, cue and consistently play the correct rhythms, notes and bowings at the correct times; good leaders learn to do all this before the section players do - which is why they are called leaders. Among the most important musical skills that section leaders have is an excellent sense of ensemble and rhythm; the best leaders seem to know exactly when to play their part, even if - and especially if - they are the only person playing it correctly.
Good Orchestra section players listen, count, cue and consistently play the correct rhythms, notes and bowings at the correct times; good leaders learn to do all this before the section players do - which is why they are called leaders. Among the most important musical skills that section leaders have is an excellent sense of ensemble and rhythm; the best leaders seem to know exactly when to play their part, even if - and especially if - they are the only person playing it correctly.
Front Stands:
Front Stands:
Students sitting in the first stands are required to help their section tune as well as anything else that is needed to accomplish our goals of learning the music on the page and creating music with it. This may include going to the back of the section and working with these students, it may include running sectionals, making sure that everyone has the correct bowings and are using them. As time is limited, this is a huge help and will figure into their citizenship grade.
Students sitting in the first stands are required to help their section tune as well as anything else that is needed to accomplish our goals of learning the music on the page and creating music with it. This may include going to the back of the section and working with these students, it may include running sectionals, making sure that everyone has the correct bowings and are using them. As time is limited, this is a huge help and will figure into their citizenship grade.
Following Instructions:
Following Instructions:
Leaders must also be excellent followers, and especially quick to follow instructions. Leaders take instruction as well as they give instruction; they are expected to follow directions and pass directions along conveying them in a positive way to the other members of the section. Leaders are the first to mark their parts when instructions are given, and they are good at following bowings and conducting gestures. The best leaders take positive ownership of their section, and they stay in front of the rehearsal by anticipating problems, often correcting bowings or other problems before the director can address them.
Leaders must also be excellent followers, and especially quick to follow instructions. Leaders take instruction as well as they give instruction; they are expected to follow directions and pass directions along conveying them in a positive way to the other members of the section. Leaders are the first to mark their parts when instructions are given, and they are good at following bowings and conducting gestures. The best leaders take positive ownership of their section, and they stay in front of the rehearsal by anticipating problems, often correcting bowings or other problems before the director can address them.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Show interest in your child’s musical study.
Show interest in your child’s musical study.
Encourage your child to perform at home for family and friends.
Encourage your child to perform at home for family and friends.
Make home practice pleasant by providing good lighting, a straight-backed chair, and some form of music stand.
Make home practice pleasant by providing good lighting, a straight-backed chair, and some form of music stand.
Help your child to set a regular practice schedule.
Help your child to set a regular practice schedule.
Encourage your child to participate in outside school music activities and to take private lessons.
Encourage your child to participate in outside school music activities and to take private lessons.
Help your child maintain his/her instrument in good working order.
Help your child maintain his/her instrument in good working order.
Expose your child to all forms of music.
Expose your child to all forms of music.
Attend concerts and other events involving your child.
Attend concerts and other events involving your child.
Feel free to contact the director regarding any questions or concerns you might have.
Feel free to contact the director regarding any questions or concerns you might have.