The Middle School String Ensemble, comprising violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, normally performs at the March festival (check dates to avoid 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 2 sharps or 1 flat. They should be familiar with all finger patterns and all strings in first position.

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

• Rhythm - Students can perform rhythms such as whole, half, quarter, 8th notes, dotted quarter note/8th note combinations 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, and hooked bowings 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.

• MS String Ensemble Nomination Form 

Violin Scales (MS Strings).pdf

Viola Scales (MS Strings).pdf 

Cello Scales (MS Strings).pdf 

Double Bass Scales (MS Strings).pdf