Ensembles
The Prelude String Ensemble
The Prelude String Ensemble is a beginner string ensemble for students that play violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Since this students' first experience in a string ensemble setting, large group roles are introduced and beginning level musical techniques are emphasized. This group learns an introductory level of string ensemble literature and makes their performance debut in the spring at one of our "Music Fest" concerts.
The Prelude String Ensemble rehearses one morning a week before school beginning in late January or early February. Once students meet the required standards on their instrument, they are invited to join this ensemble. Participation is optional.
The Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band is a beginner band ensemble for students that play flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, baritone horn, percussion, or mallets (bells). Since this students' first experience in a band setting, large group roles are introduced and beginning level musical techniques are emphasized. This group learns an introductory level of band literature and makes their performance debut in the spring at one of our "Music Fest" concerts.
The Symphonic Band rehearses one morning a week before school beginning in late January or early February. Once students meet the required standards on their instrument, they are invited to join this ensemble. Participation is optional.
_Required Standards for Qualifiying for a Performing Group.pdfWe are so fortunate here at Upper Moreland to have so many parents who support music in our school. Since the music department's enrollment is so large, we have a system that alleviates having one very large first year band/orchestra and one very large second year band/orchestra. We organize our young musicians into two, three, or four performing ensembles in which the students may "bridge" in-between. What does this mean? At time progresses, so does the students' ability level. Students have the ability to move up to a more advanced level group (Concert Band, Wind & Percussion Ensemble, Concert String Ensemble, Encore String Ensemble) once they demonstrate higher level techniques and musicianship. Having three bands and three string ensembles will allow for more specialized music instruction for our young musicians. This enables our students to learn and experience music at their most appropriate ability level. To our knowledge, we are the only elementary school in our surrounding area to offer this unique opportunity.