Beginning Orchestra
Grade: 7 - 12 Min: 4 Max: 10 (6 seats remaining)
Min Assistants: 1 Max Assistants: 1 (Assistant Max Reached)
Learn to play a string instrument while discovering the joy of making music in a group setting! Students will learn skills in tone production, note reading (rhythmic and melodic), basic music theory, scales, and bowings. Emphasis will be placed on good technique, left and right-hand posture, tuning their own instrument, and ensemble playing. Participants in the orchestra will use movement, listening, and playing instruments to develop their own musical artistry while building friendships with their peers in a musical setting.
Practice, practice, practice! Students will be required to prepare individually and be a contributing member to the ensemble as a whole. A general practice recommendation is about 30 minutes a day with specific goals set by both the teacher and the student. Theory homework will be assigned periodically and students will need to be prepared for their roles in performances for our Christmas and end-of-year chapel services.
We will work to be ready to perform our first piece in December. After that, we will be preparing for a spring concert where we will showcase the skills we have worked on and learned this year. If there is enough interest, a field trip to an orchestral concert will be a fun learning experience as well!
-A working instrument (violin, viola, or cello), set up and ready to play. Violas and cellos are always in high demand! You may purchase this or rent it from a local music store. -Some combination of chinrest and shoulder rest (except for cellos) will be needed for comfortable practice and performance. The teacher will give recommendations. -Essential Elements for Strings Volume 1: Violin (ISBN 978-0143061854), Viola (ISBN 978-0634038181), or Cello (ISBN 978-0634038198) -Music stand (for comfortable practice at home) -Tuner (can download the Soundcorset metronome and tuner app) -"Concert black" dress attire (shirt, slacks or skirt, shoes) for concerts
$25.00 per semester will cover the purchase of concert music, church rental fees, programs, etc.
Must be able to hear and match pitch. Beginning music reading is helpful, but not required.
At least one year of previous musical experience (piano, choral, instrumental, etc.) is preferred but not required. Students must be willing to work hard and cooperate with hands-on instruction and correction.