The Upper Dublin String Orchestra Program (grades 3 -12) is comprised of students of many different levels of achievement and aptitudes. The Honors Orchestra students in grades 4-8 have obtained a level beyond that of their own individual school orchestras, therefore, they are in need of a more challenging and rewarding orchestral curriculum in order to enrich and expand their musical growth and expression. Participation in the UDSD Honors Orchestra provides fulfillment of this need.
The curriculum consists of varied musical styles such as: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Contemporary, Popular, Show, Jazz, and Ragtime. Students encounter a variety of musical techniques and bowings such as martele, spiccato, tremolo, ornamentation, contemporary rhythmic and melodic idioms, rubato and tempo changes, and a wider range of dynamics and special effects. The program of musical selections changes annually according to the overall level and individual needs of the group.
A letter of invitation is sent home to selected UDES and SRMS students concerning auditions for the Honors Orchestra. A list of rehearsal dates and the necessary time commitment is clearly stated--to which the students and parents sign their intent to uphold. This year, 50 students responded and returned the signed letter of intent. Each of these students received a specific piece of music to prepare during October for a blind audition in November at UDHS. A total of 45 students qualified for participation as a result of their individual auditions.
Each student receives a folder of music for home practice and the orchestra has two sight reading rehearsals on this music in November. Small group rehearsals at each elementary school occur on a weekly basis to prepare this specific repertoire. Sectional rehearsals occur at the middle school during January. During the months of November and January the entire orchestra meets for several two-hour evening rehearsals scheduled at UDHS.
The UDSD Honors Orchestra is an essential source of motivation and inspiration for the string players in the district. It is the most significant source for developing the desire to continue orchestral instruction at the high school and to compete in the PMEA D11 and RVI orchestral events. Honors Orchestra presents its 30th annual concert at SRMS on Wednesday, February 1 2023 at 7:00 PM. The concert is always well received by an enthusiastic audience. Later in the school year, the group performs a concert tour at each of the UDES. The purpose of the UDES tour is threefold: (1) to provide these students with the opportunity to return to their respective elementary schools to demonstrate their accomplishments; (2) to motivate and inspire all to practice and achieve greater levels of expertise on their respective instruments; (3) to encourage recruitment of 2nd graders to sign up for studying stringed instruments in the 3rd grade.