Orchestra

Courses Available to Upper School Students

Beginning Strings Prerequisite: No prerequisite required Beginning Strings is a performance group for students that have no prior experience with playing a stringed instrument, but wish to learn the violin, viola, cello, or string bass. It is open to all middle school students. This beginning string ensemble places emphasis on learning beginning technique for their instrument, and the applied music theory and note reading skills needed for performance. Students will perform in a group setting during the daily schedule, and join larger string ensembles for community concerts and other school events. This course requires participation in evening concerts and performances throughout the school year.

Strings Foundations: Prerequisite: Beginning Strings or Lower School Orchestra and Director recommendation/approval This performance ensemble is designed for the rising middle school student who began violin, cello, viola, or bass lessons at the elementary school level, or for a beginning high school student without prior string experience, pending director approval. This course is designed to provide the advanced string techniques and ensemble skills needed to participate in our middle and upper school orchestra ensembles. Students will perform together daily in the classroom setting, and join large ensembles for community concerts and other school events. This course requires participation in evening concerts and performances throughout the year.

Strings Intermediate Prerequisite: Beginning Strings or Strings Foundations and Director recommendation/approval Intermediate Strings is a middle school performance group that includes violin, viola, cello, and string bass and places emphasis on the development of the ensemble skills needed to perform as an orchestra. Students focus on applied string technique, and applied music theory and history in the orchestra setting. String Ensemble activities may include appearances at school and community concerts, chamber music concerts, and music festivals. Students may be required to attend after school rehearsals and scheduled performances.

Strings Proficient or Advanced Prerequisite: Intermediate Strings and Director recommendation/Audition required Advanced and Proficient Strings is a performance group for advanced middle school and high school students that have prior experience in violin, viola, cello, and string bass. This string orchestra classroom places emphasis on the development of advanced string technique, and applied music theory and history. These orchestras perform full and string orchestra pieces, and often combine for large orchestral works. String Ensemble activities may include appearances at school and community concerts, chamber music concerts, and music festivals. Students may be required to attend after school rehearsals and scheduled performances. Although the course is designed for strings only, brass, woodwinds, and percussion may be added for performances.