What do we DO in Orchestra? Orchestra students have fun, create music and learn skills that they share outside the classroom. What non-music benefits do we GAIN from being in Orchestra? Research has indicated that students who study music in school are more likely to do well on standardized tests such as the ACT. Orchestra also refines skills that college admissions offices and potential employers value, such as discipline, teamwork, reading and math.
What do we DO with these skills once we leave school? Some students become professional players. Some play in church, become recording engineers or teachers. Others become scientists, carpenters, doctors, computer technicians, farmers, homemakers or artists. Orchestra is for anyone who likes music and wants to play it!
DCPS MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRAS CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Grade 6 Orchestra This is an all year class. Students learn the basics of playing a string instrument, using a technique book and sheet music. They learn to play songs by ear, read music, and create and notate their own melodies. Students perform their own concerts. They also experience classical, jazz, bluegrass and other styles of music through live performances and recordings by professional musicians.
Grade 7 Orchestra Students with one year of string instrument experience are challenged to improve their tone and technical ability through the use of technique books and Level 2 & 3 music of different time periods and countries. Students learn more sophisticated songs by ear and use the computer to write then perform their own music. In addition to school music nights, students are invited to participate in festivals and workshops outside of school. Introduction to major themes, styles, composers and performers of string literature helps students to understand where music fits into history and daily life.
Grade 8 Orchestra Students with at least 2 years of string instrument experience work on more advanced technique to prepare to play in the high school orchestra. Materials include technique books, computer-aided instruction, more advanced classical repertoire, as well as Broadway and radio chart hits. Students are encouraged to participate in community youth orchestras as well as district festivals. Continued ear-training, improvisation, and listening to professional recordings and live performances give students a basis for evaluating their own and other’s performances, laying the groundwork for them to become lifelong musicians, listeners and consumers of music.