Middle School Info
What ensemble will I be in?
All incoming freshman are automatically enrolled into Preparatory Orchestra. This class is designed to help students with the transition to high school expectations and not to overwhelm the students as they adjust to high school life. We want this to be a positive experience.
Advanced students may audition into our intermediate level class Concert Orchestra.
Freshman are not permitted to audition for Symphonic Strings. The time commitment and expectations are often overwhelming for new freshman.
New High School Members:
Transferring from another school's orchestra program: You can select the class links above to see
what the requirements for each class to get an idea of which class you should be in.
Skipped a year (or more): Talk with Mrs. Deal to see what level will be most successful for you.
Advanced students may audition into our intermediate level class Concert Orchestra.
Freshman are not permitted to audition for Symphonic Strings. The time commitment and expectations are often overwhelming for new freshman.
New High School Members:
Transferring from another school's orchestra program: You can select the class links above to see
what the requirements for each class to get an idea of which class you should be in.
Skipped a year (or more): Talk with Mrs. Deal to see what level will be most successful for you.
Upcoming Events
May Concert: Wednesday May 4, 7-8pm, Service Cafeteria.
SERVICE CONCERTS: Check out our google calendar. It has the dates and info for all of concerts.
SERVICE CONCERTS: Check out our google calendar. It has the dates and info for all of concerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concerts and Music: Concerts are required. Preparatory Orchestra has a required concert in October, December, January, and May. Some years they play at Graduation. There are a few other optional events. A variety of music is performed. Many styles and difficulties levels. The goal is to challenge you, not overwhelm you. Mrs. Deal offers tutoring during lunch and after school if you want help.
Homework/Practicing/Tests: Most worksheets are completed during class time so you may ask questions. Most of the non-playing work is done on the computers. Practicing is your primary homework. 15-30 each day goes a long way to playing your music confidently and correctly. Playing tests are done on a computer at home or in a practice room, not in front of the class. I try to give a day or two of in-class time to complete tests.
Can I be in ..... and Orchestra? YES! Orchestra students are in BCA, Seminar, ROTC, AP courses, and sports. Most orchestra students find ways to participate all 4 years. Sometimes students take a year off to finish another needed credit, but they are always welcomed back. P.E.and Health credits can be earned through sports waivers or on-line courses. This might free up room to fit other electives (like foreign language) without dropping orchestra.
Do we do other things beside learning music? YES! We have monthly social events. Trips to see the opera, symphony, musicals, and other live performances. Orchestra is about being a family, not just performing music.
Are there instruments to rent? Yes! School rentals are $40 for the year. Cello and Bass players, we have instruments that you can borrow to use just at school. If you have an instrument of your own, you may choose to bring it in or leave it at home and use a school instrument during class. If there are enough instruments, you can borrow one at school and borrow one for home.
Where do I store my instrument during the school day? We have lockers in the orchestra room just for our instruments.
Homework/Practicing/Tests: Most worksheets are completed during class time so you may ask questions. Most of the non-playing work is done on the computers. Practicing is your primary homework. 15-30 each day goes a long way to playing your music confidently and correctly. Playing tests are done on a computer at home or in a practice room, not in front of the class. I try to give a day or two of in-class time to complete tests.
Can I be in ..... and Orchestra? YES! Orchestra students are in BCA, Seminar, ROTC, AP courses, and sports. Most orchestra students find ways to participate all 4 years. Sometimes students take a year off to finish another needed credit, but they are always welcomed back. P.E.and Health credits can be earned through sports waivers or on-line courses. This might free up room to fit other electives (like foreign language) without dropping orchestra.
Do we do other things beside learning music? YES! We have monthly social events. Trips to see the opera, symphony, musicals, and other live performances. Orchestra is about being a family, not just performing music.
Are there instruments to rent? Yes! School rentals are $40 for the year. Cello and Bass players, we have instruments that you can borrow to use just at school. If you have an instrument of your own, you may choose to bring it in or leave it at home and use a school instrument during class. If there are enough instruments, you can borrow one at school and borrow one for home.
Where do I store my instrument during the school day? We have lockers in the orchestra room just for our instruments.