DESCRIPTION OF ORCHESTRA ORGANIZATIONS
K.O. KNUDSON ACADEMY OF THE ARTS
Course Description: The BEGINNING Orchestra program at K.O. Knudson Academy of the Arts is comprised mostly of 6th graders and beginning - level players. Students focus solely on their particular instrument (Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass) and develop basic technical skills with their classmates in an atmosphere of teamwork. 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 will also 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. To retain the new and intricate skills learned in Beginning Orchestra, students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument.
Materials - Habits of a Successful Young String Musician Book 1, Breezin' Thru Theory
Course Description: The Intermediate Orchestra comprises students with one or more years of playing experience in grades 6, 7, or 8. 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. It is strongly encouraged for students in Intermediate Orchestra to take private lessons on their instrument to master technique and skills.
Materials - Habits of a Successful Young String Musician - Book 1, and Breezin' Thru Theory
Course Description: This one-year course is open to all K.O. Knudson Academy of the Arts 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 an independent 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: The Advanced Orchestra comprises students with one or more years of playing experience in grades 6, 7, or 8. It is a one-year course open to all K.O. Knudson Orchestra students through audition or director placement. In this orchestra, 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. Students may also elect to participate in Solo & Ensemble, based on director approval and audition, to further develop their individual musicianship. It is strongly encouraged that students in Advanced Orchestra take private lessons on their instrument to master technique and skill.
Materials - Habits of a Successful Young String Musician Book 2, and Breezin' Thru Theory
The Chamber Orchestra is composed of 7th- and 8th-graders, admitted by audition or recommendation only, at the director's discretion. Students in the Chamber Orchestra must also be a member of the Advanced Orchestra. This class will work toward competency in 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. Students in the Chamber Orchestra will be instructed in minor instrument repairs, such as changing strings and tuning pegs, and in helping younger students progress. 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, and will 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 Instrument Days, as well as in the CCSD Orchestra Festival, and the ASTA Orchestra Festival. Chamber students are required to prepare auditions for the Honor Orchestra and the Solo & Ensemble Festival as well. It is also highly recommended for all Chamber Orchestra students to take private lessons on their instrument.
Materials - Habits of a Successful Young String Musician Book 2, and Breezin' Thru Theory
Orchestra Club - (Orchestra Council - Orco)
Club Description: This group is open to all K. O. Knudson Orchestra students and meets after school one day a week. Orchestra Club students assume leadership roles and responsibilities for all Orchestras.
Club Description: This group is open to upper-level K.O. Knudson Orchestra Students and meets after school one day a week. Students are introduced to skills for strolling, including memorizing and harmonizing pop music. Strolling Club performs during all Orchestra Concerts as well as the Modern Music Concerts.
Placement in these organizations will be determined by the Director based on several factors:
2. Need for your instrument
3. General attitude and work ethic
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.
Section 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 their 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.
Show interest in your child’s musical study.
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.
Help your child to set a regular practice schedule.
Encourage your child to take private lessons.
Help your child maintain his/her instrument in good working order.
Expose your child to all forms of music.
Feel free to contact the director regarding any questions or concerns you might have.