Beginning Orchestra

Musicians flourish when they play together and gain from the experience of others. Participation in an ensemble not only strengthens the individual's playing ability, but students improve their performance level in their school music programs.

This orchestra, conducted by Donna Jelen, is open to young string players who seek a fun and educational ensemble experience.

Little or no ensemble experience is needed to participate in the Beginning Orchestra. Students in Beginning Orchestra develop skills such as counting independently, executing orchestral bowings, watching the conductor and blending with the other musicians in the group.

Beginning Orchestra typically performs music that is Grade 1 - 2.5. Students should be comfortable performing and sight-reading in the keys of A, D, G, C and F, as well as A, E, and D Minor, and should be able to read basic rhythms in simple and compound time signatures.

Orchestra Schedules

You can download this year's orchestra calendars below:

• Fall
• Spring

Absence & Tardiness Policies

Students enrolled in Beginning Orchestra are expected to participate in their school music programs. The orchestra performs at the end of each semester with the Preparatory division orchestras.

Absence Policies >

Tardiness: Latecomers are a disruption to the rehearsal. If a student arrives to a rehearsal after it has begun, they will be tuned outside of the rehearsal area and seated in the back of the section for the duration of the rehearsal.

Excessive tardiness and/or absences may result in a permanent change of seating.

Auditions

Auditions are required. Auditions for Beginning Orchestra will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 2:00 pm-5:00m pm or Saturday, May 11, 2013 from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. THERE WILL BE NO FALL AUDITIONS. Audition requirements are as follows:

• Scales: Students must be prepared to play 1 to 2 octaves of the following scales: A major, D major, G major, F Major and C major.
  
  
• Solo Piece: The prepared piece must be performance-ready and agreed upon by the student and his/her teacher. Beginning Orchestra candidates should be studying music from Suzuki Book 3 (or the equivalent) in their private lessons.
  
  
• Note Reading: Students should have at least an elementary knowledge of reading music notation for their instrument. This includes accurate half note, quarter note, eighth note, sixteenth note and dotted rhythms and notation for notes on all four strings. A short portion of sight-reading will be provided by the conductor during the audition.
  
  

You can download the Audition Requirements PDF for a full list of orchestra requirements, or the Beginning Orchestra Audition Application PDF for more detailed information.