The High School String Ensemble, comprising violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, typically performs at the February festival (check dates for conflicts). 

Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass

Students will be assessed and nominated for the District String Ensemble by their sending schools. They will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Intonation - Students should be able to play in tune in key signatures up to 3 sharps or 2 flats. The student should be comfortable with all finger patterns and all strings in first position.

• Shifting - Students should be comfortable in 3rd position (violin/viola) or 3rd and 4th (cello/bass).

• Tone - Students should be able to perform with characteristic tone on their instrument.

• Vibrato - Students should be able to use vibrato appropriately in their playing.

• Rhythm - Students can perform rhythms such as whole, half, quarter, 8th notes, 16th notes and combinations of 8th and 16th notes, dotted and syncopated rhythms accurately.

• Ensemble Skills - Students should be able to play as a member of an ensemble - playing in time with the orchestra and blending with their section.

• Bowing - The student should be able to perform bowings such as slurs, staccato, spiccato, detache, slurred staccato, portato as required in the music.

Note for Private Teachers: If you have questions or need to coordinate with a student's school-based music teacher regarding these guidelines or a student's progress, please feel free to reach out directly to their sending school teacher.

• HS String Ensemble Nomination Form 

Violin Scales (HS Strings).pdf 

Viola Scales (HS Strings).pdf

Cello Scales (HS Strings).pdf

Double Bass Scales (HS Strings).pdf