Select Strings

Quick Questions

What is Select Strings?

Select Strings is an audition-only group available to ALL GRADES at PVMSE. Select Strings plays more advanced music than regular orchestra, and involves two extra rehearsals on top of your normally scheduled class. At the end of most years, there is an adjudication that we attend via "Music Showcase Festivals", where our group performs for two judges and attends an award ceremony in Dorney Park. In the next upcoming years, I want to make Select Strings a more active group in school activities. In Spring 2023, we had volunteers perform for the Art Show, and Spring 2024 we had volunteers perform for the historic planting of PVMS East's Moon Tree!

When do they meet?

C and F days during advisory. 

What do they do?

Select Strings performs carols in the hallways during the holidays, at the Spring Concert at the end of the year, and for an adjudication at Dorney Park Music Showcase Festival. An adjudication is when judges listen to your ensemble perform and give you a score based on the what the composer wanted. Select Strings can also perform for school activities and events.

How can I join?

Auditions occur throughout the month of September. Practice the audition material, schedule an audition with Miss Smith-Gonzalez after school, then do your best! Auditions will typically involve a scale, a sight-reading portion, and a prepared piece portion. PLEASE COME TO YOUR AUDITION PREPARED. Meaning, please do not wait until the day of your audition to take a look at the music and practice it. If you have questions or need help, please reach out with plenty of time before your audition.

What if I have something that conflicts? (another ensemble, gifted, etc)

I am very aware that those who are in music are often involved in many other things. I can communicate with other teachers and work out a schedule of some sort to make sure you have the opportunity to join, while also not crowding up your schedule.  

Questions still not answered? Email me at vsmithgonzalez@pvsd.org

Audition Material

Audition material for the 2025-2026 school year will be posted soon!

Dorney Park Music Showcase festival 2025

Dorney Park Music Showcase festival 2024

Dorney Park Music Showcase festival 2023

Dorney Park Music Showcase Festival 2022

Important Dates