Orchestras

Welcome to our Orchestras

Morristown High School offers a variety of excellent opportunities for students to continue developing their musical talents and skills on their string instruments. Our Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Camerata are led by Mrs. Norma Davis.

BIO - Mrs Norma Davis

Mrs. Davis teaches Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Camerata, AP Music Theory, Music Theory and Harmony, and Piano at Morristown High School. Mrs. Davis received her B.M. in violin performance and music education from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, and her M.A. in viola performance and music education from New York University. She studied with Sheila Browne in New York, Norman Goldblatt and Hiroko Yajima in New Jersey, Julie Lyonn Lieberman in Mexico, and Marco Zurlo in Italy. Mrs. Davis’ professional violin and viola performances have included over forty concerts in Italy and Switzerland and numerous symphony, chamber music, solo, and theater performances in the greater tri-state area including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Her pedagogy studies at Juilliard have included masterclasses by renowned musicians Itzhak Perlman, Sarah Chang, Ani Kavafian, Kurt Sassmannshaus, Giora Schmidt, Odin Rathnam, Brian Lewis, and David Kim. Her work at NYU included masterclasses with Kim Kashkashian, Jeff Irvine, and Susan Dubois. Mrs. Davis has been conductor of the Region I High School Orchestra, the Delbarton Abbey Orchestra since 1996, and has taught at Morristown High School since 1999. She is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the New Jersey Music Educators Association, the North Jersey School Music Association, and the American String Teachers Association. Her students have enjoyed continued music studies in college, and have established successful careers in a wide variety of fields.

Orchestra

The orchestra consists of string students in grades 9-12 who play violin, viola, cello, and bass. During each rehearsal, we explore and perform high quality, engaging, enjoyable repertoire in a wide variety of styles while emphasizing technique development and musical interpretation. Individual and ensemble skills are cultivated through performance, observation, collaboration, and listening. Students are challenged to continually develop and refine performance skills on their instruments. Some of the pieces that we perform include wind, brass, and percussion players, resulting in a dramatic symphony orchestra experience. Weekly group lessons and evening concerts are required as part of the Orchestra's performance activities.

Members of the orchestra have the opportunity to audition for advanced groups such as Chamber Orchestra and Camerata, through which they also have a chance to earn community service hours.

Honors Orchestra

Orchestra students have the opportunity to opt for Honors Orchestra, which provides additional musical experiences and benchmarks that encourage reflection and growth. The Honors level seeks to develop and enrich students' performance capabilities, musical perceptivity, artistic sensitivity, and overall musicianship. Honors students develop a portfolio of various musical experiences and activities. Students in grades 9-12 are eligible.

Being a member of the Orchestra throughout high school guides students to:

Develop goals, planning skills, responsibility, and leadership
Develop communication, presentation, and listening skills
Develop, refine, and apply appropriate techniques that lead to high-level achievement
Learn about and perform a variety of musical literature and repertoire
Demonstrate understanding and fluency in music notation and terminology
Understand and demonstrate the roles of individuals, sectionals, and the full ensemble - teamwork!
Express ideas and create artistic performances through personal growth and collaboration with peers
Demonstrate proper instrument care and maintenance
Have fun making music!

Extra Curricular Music Opportunities

Members of the Orchestra have the opportunity to audition for advanced groups such as Chamber Orchestra and Camerata, through which they also have a chance to earn community service hours. Students are also encouraged to work together in quartets and other student-led groups.

Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra members enjoy opportunities to share the experience of creating music at an advanced level, incorporating a beautiful sound, solid sense of rhythm and tempo, and accurate reading skills. This group of passionate musicians meets once a week after school to practice a variety of music in preparation for performances at school and community events. Directed by Mrs. Davis. Open to students in grades 9-12.

Camarata / String Ensemble - (Extra Curricular)

Camerata is a small group of orchestra students who demonstrate a passion for their instrument and a high level of musical achievement. Camerata performs challenging music without a conductor, with Mrs. Davis serving as their coach. The group rehearses weekly during lunch. Students acquire strong focus and deep listening skills as they work together to create artistic performances. Open to students in grades 9-12.

For more information contact Norma Davis, norma.davis@msdk12.net

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