Ability to play an orchestral (strings, winds, brass, percussion) instrument at the equivalent of a fourth-year level.
Students have the option to sign up for a semester class (0.25) or a yearlong class (0.5 credits).
This course will meet once a week on Mondays between 4:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Orchestra is designed to offer advanced musicians the opportunity to perform in an advanced-level ensemble. They will be exposed to a wide range of music to promote creativity and foster an unending appreciation for symphony orchestra music and experiences. Students will be able to engage in personal musical expression, and find joy in working harmoniously with others to create, play and perform music together.
Note: Students taking this afterschool class may take more than the maximum credits in one year. Students must go and speak to their counselor about being over-credited and ask their counselor to enter the course request into PowerSchool manually.
Students will learn to
- Cultivate a lifelong passion for music and forever find joy in creating and listening to music from the Western Classical Tradition and from around the globe.
- Work independently and as an ensemble, striving together towards the creation of something beautiful to be shared with others.
- Deepen their understanding of the characteristics of a successful ensemble and contribute positively to the group’s success.
- Sharpen critical thinking capability with regard to music literacy, music theory, and aural skills.
- Hone instrumental technique with proper posture and bow hold, with attention to detail in order to stretch and extend existing skills.
- Play, practice and perform in time and in tune with critical listening ears for ensemble and musicianship, tone quality, intonation and articulation.
- Reflect upon a musical composition and use musical terminology to interpret the intentions of the composer.
- Perceive aesthetic qualities of human expression that are unique to the listening to the creation of and the performing of music.
- Develop an appreciation for and perform music from a variety of cultures, historical periods and genres.
- Students will explore spiritual connections made through music.
Students are assessed on the individual progress they make on their chosen instrument, and how well they work together as an ensemble and their participation.