Concert Orchestra

The Jackson Concert Orchestra is comprised of students with at least 1 year and up to 3 years playing experience. Student's continue to review and refine the skills learned as a beginner, as well as hone their musicianship (literacy, theory, aural [listening] skill, expressive techniques), playing endurance, and practice habits. Each instrument section (Violin 1 and 2, Viola, Cello, Bass) begins to have it's own independent or related part.

Intermediate players will learn:

• Tone Control (How bow weight, speed, and contact point affect sound production )

• Additional Bow Articulations (Staccato, Accent, Marcato, Fermata, Tremolo, Trill)

• Dynamic Control (How to control volume intentionally)

• Enhanced Music Literacy (How to read new pitches and irregular rhythms)

• Music Theory Fundamentals (Key Signatures and Related Major Scale, Scale Degrees, Pitch Center)

• Ear Training (Refining Aural Skills and Intonation)

• Music History (Origin of certain musical genres, Composer's background)

• Enhanced Ensemble and Section Skills (Listening across the Orchestra, playing together with others in your section)

• Follow Expressive Cues from a Conductor (Changes in Dynamic or Tempo)

• Introduction to shifting (Moving up and down the instrument)