About
The 7th grade orchestra meets every day. This allows the kids to learn a lot more and provides more opportunities for performances. The 7th grade orchestra is designed to continue and further develop the progress of string players on violin, viola, cello, and string bass who have already gained previous experience either in strings classes offered in the public schools, or privately. Students with one or two year’s minimum experience on these instruments are eligible to continue in this orchestra class.
Offerings include Festival performances for the entire orchestra, and solo performances for those students seeking an extra challenge in individual presentations. The orchestra performs three-four evening concerts per year and performs for the annual MSBOA (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association) festival. Students will also have the option of participating in the MSBOA solo and ensemble events on a string instrument or piano (if they take piano lessons). In addition, the orchestra does one to two fund raising projects yearly which enables the orchestra to assist students in financing private lessons and attending summer camp, as well as providing concert uniforms and other needed supplies not covered by the school district budget. Students may also earn money towards their account when an orchestra trip is scheduled.
Note reading, rhythms, musical styles and periods, both right and left hand techniques, theory, care and tuning of instruments, vocabulary, and tone production are among the objectives taught at this level. Students are graded on daily class performance, having supplies during classes, attendance/ tardies and participation during class sessions, playing tests, practice sheets, and concerts.
We hope all the 6th grade orchestra students choose to participate in the 7th grade program, or at least give it a try. There is so much more we are able to do at the middle school level! We know many of you have invested time and money into your child's string education. 7th grade is really where the progress starts to accelerate.
Offerings include Festival performances for the entire orchestra, and solo performances for those students seeking an extra challenge in individual presentations. The orchestra performs three-four evening concerts per year and performs for the annual MSBOA (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association) festival. Students will also have the option of participating in the MSBOA solo and ensemble events on a string instrument or piano (if they take piano lessons). In addition, the orchestra does one to two fund raising projects yearly which enables the orchestra to assist students in financing private lessons and attending summer camp, as well as providing concert uniforms and other needed supplies not covered by the school district budget. Students may also earn money towards their account when an orchestra trip is scheduled.
Note reading, rhythms, musical styles and periods, both right and left hand techniques, theory, care and tuning of instruments, vocabulary, and tone production are among the objectives taught at this level. Students are graded on daily class performance, having supplies during classes, attendance/ tardies and participation during class sessions, playing tests, practice sheets, and concerts.
We hope all the 6th grade orchestra students choose to participate in the 7th grade program, or at least give it a try. There is so much more we are able to do at the middle school level! We know many of you have invested time and money into your child's string education. 7th grade is really where the progress starts to accelerate.