Orchestra is a performing art; students learn their instrument to share music with their family, friends and the community. The fundamental musical skills and correct posture are learned at an early age to enable growth and enjoyment of making music. As an extension of what we learn in the classroom, each student is required to attend ONE orchestra concert each semester, fill out a concert report form and share their experience with the class. The musicians on stage began learning their instrument at a young age, just like today's students. Some are more natural musicians than others, but all have practiced, sat in the classroom and in rehearsals like our students do on a daily basis en route to where they perform today. There is no magical formula - "POOF! I'm a fantastic musician!"
Here are the requirements for a concert to be "eligible" for a concert report:
1. The performing ensemble must be more experienced than the ensemble you participate in.
2. The performing ensemble must play a minimum of three selections in this concert.
3. The performance is not part of a worship service.
4. The concert may not be a concert of which you are a participant, unless given permission from Mrs. Ten Elshof prior to the performance.
5. A concert program must accompany the report to receive full credit.
Some ideas include performances by the Holland Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony, Hope College Orchestra, GVSU Orchestra, Calvin College, Holland Area Youth Orchestras, Mannheim Steamroller, Tran-Siberian Orchestra, church orchestras that perform a program other than a worship service, string ensembles. There is a variety of options. If you have any questions, please have your student ask Mrs. Ten Elshof.