String Orchestra

String Orchestra is offered at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced level. All three classes meet during the school day, and perform in two concerts annually, one in December, and one in May. Students who enroll in these classes have the option to pick one of the following instruments:

Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass

String students will also have the opportunity at the end of each school to participate in a Music in the Parks Festival, at an amusement park that will be determined each school year. Students will perform their Spring concert music for judges to get feedback in the morning, and then spend the day at an amusement park.

String Orchestra counts towards the elective credits that every student must take in order to graduate, and can be taken all four years of high school, and encouraged! All grades and any ability level are welcome, appropriate class placement is at the discretion of the director.

BEGINNING STRINGS: 1 Credit towards graduation

The Beginning Strings course is designed to introduce and afford our students the opportunity to play a string instrument. Its secondary purpose is to assist those students looking to reinforce or relearn basic skills not mastered in the elementary and/or middle school string program. At this level, students learn basic technique and fundamentals of their chosen instrument as well as basic notation and music theory. Student participation in public performance is at the discretion of the director at this level. Students are graded on participation in class and completion of given assignments.

INTERMEDIATE STRINGS: 1 Credit towards graduation- can be repeated repeated all four years.

Prerequisites: This course requires completion of beginner strings, an audition, and/or teacher recommendation.

At this level of study, students further develop their playing skills and learn to become a member of the string orchestra. Students are taught to play concert music encompassing various periods, genres, styles, and levels of difficulty. Students continue to learn varying and more advanced elements of music notation and music theory. Students are required to perform in two public performances (concerts) during the school year, one in December and one in May. Students are graded on participation in class, concert performances, and completion of any other given assignments.

ADVANCED STRINGS: 1 Credit towards graduation- can be repeated all four years.

Prerequisites: This course requires an audition and/or teacher recommendation.

At this level of study, students must be proficient on their instruments. This course is designed to further refine musicianship and performance skills. Students are taught to play concert music encompassing various periods, genres, styles, and levels of difficulty. Students continue to learn varying and more advance elements of music notation and music theory. Students are required to perform in all scheduled orchestra concerts and rehearsals, and mat be given the opportunity to perform in smaller ensembles. Students are graded on participation in class, concert performances, and completion of any other given assignments. At this level, students are given the opportunity to become a member of the pit orchestra or chamber orchestra if they choose; membership in either group is at the discretion of the director. Chamber orchestra performs for community events throughout the year and in the orchestra spring concerts, while the pit orchestra provides the music for our school musicals.