The 6th Grade Orchestras are intended to give new middle school students an introduction to string playing. Students may pick between violin, viola, cello, and double bass, which they then study in group lessons during the school day. 6th Graders participate in at least two concerts per school year. Our primary focus is on establishing basic posture, left hand frame, bow hold, basic bow strokes (detaché, staccato, hooked bowing, slurs, marcato), aural skills, and music literacy. While intended for complete beginners, 6th graders who make quick progress and those who come into the class with prior string playing experiences are offered the same opportunities as older students, including the chance to audition for Honor Orchestra, All-State Orchestra, and the Daniell Chamber Orchestra.
The 7th Grade Orchestras build upon the foundation established in the 6th Grade Orchestras. They are divided between two class periods, resulting in two orchestras which are referred to by their class periods: 7-4 Orchestra and 7-5 Orchestra. While separate classes, they are functionally the same and follow the same curriculum. Our primary focus is on developing/refining posture, left hand technique (shifting, basic vibrato motions, multi-octave scales and arpeggios), bow technique (slurs, martelé, spiccato, and louré), aural skills, and music literacy. The 7th Grade Orchestras participate in at least three concerts per year, including the Georgia Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) each Spring semester. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction in string playing to participate in one of our 7th Grade Orchestras.
The 8th Grade Orchestras introduce more advanced string playing techniques and carry a higher expectation of musicianship and excellence. Like the 7th Grade Orchestras, they are divided between to functionally identical ensembles: 8-1 Orchestra and 8-2 Orchestra. At this level, our priority is on refining and demonstrating mastery of all technique previously discussed, while developing intermediate techniques as necessary, such as being able to play multi-octave scales, read and play music that requires a variety of positions and articulations, and apply basic vibrato in a musical context. Students should leave the 8th Grade Orchestras with the skills to meaningfully participate in their high school orchestras. The 8th Grade Orchestras participate in at least three concerts per year, including the Georgia Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) each Spring semester, as well as an end-of-year trip to either Disney World or Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, for students who meet certain expectations. Further, members of the 8th Grade Orchestras are frequently asked to perform in small ensembles for school functions, serving as leaders and role models for the rest of the orchestra program. Students must have at least two years of prior instruction in string playing to participate in one of our 8th Grade Orchestras.