MIDDLEBROOK ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK
2024 - 2025
Course Goals
To play challenging, high-quality music with artistry and proper technique
To improve understanding of music notation and terminology
To understand the historical context and significance of the music studied in class
Performances
Concerts are held throughout the year to showcase students’ achievements. Because a performance relies on each musician’s contribution, concert attendance is mandatory, and accounts for a portion of the student’s grade. Please notify your teacher as early as possible if there is an unavoidable conflict with a concert date.
Grade 6
Winter Concert: Dec. 16th
Spring Concert: May 5th
Grade 7
Winter Concert: Dec. 17th
Spring Concert: May 7th
Grade 8
Spooktacular Rehearsal:
Oct. 28, 1:30 - 4pm
Spooktacular: October 30th
Winter Concert: Dec. 18th
Spring Concert: May 8th
Adjudication trip: TBD
More Information
Concert Dress
Dress to impress! Dress pants with a shirt and tie, or nice dress/skirt. No jeans or sneakers, please.
Required materials for class
Instrument, bow, & rosin
School cellos and basses are available for use
Shoulder rest (Everest, Kun, or Muco brands recommended)
Method book:
Gr. 6: String Basics, Book 2 for Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass
Gr. 7: String Basics, Book 3 for Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass
Gr. 8: Essential Technique for Strings for Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass
Sheet music folder (provided)
Pencil
Chromebooks & Chargers should be brought to class when instructed
Class Schedule
Students meet in small groups, two to four times each five-day rotation
At-home Practice
Students are expected to practice their instrument at home at least 90 minutes per week, divided into several practice sessions. Specific practice assignments will be given in class. To enable practice, instruments must go home at the end of the school day
Advanced Strings
This group is open to students in all three grades, and allows additional opportunities to rehearse and perform challenging repertoire. Our first group meeting will be Thursday September 26th at 7:20am. All new and returning students must sign up here. Students new to the group must audition in September.
Audition requirements:
Play one scale of your choice, any octave(s).
Play a piece of your choice that represents your level of playing
Student Expectations:
Bring supplies to class
Quickly move to assigned seats and unpack instrument
Show respect to classmates in the room
Stop playing when the conductor stops
Grading
Skill Development
Individual skill development will be graded through recorded playing assessments due at the end of each month and in-class demonstration of skills.
Musical Knowledge
Written and computer-based assignments will be given in music theory, history, and composition.
Participation and Preparation
Includes attending concerts and rehearsals, bringing all materials to class, following instructions the first time, and adhering to STRIDE expectations.
Other Musical Opportunities:
Students who are looking for additional musical challenges are encouraged to take private lessons, and to audition for regional and festival orchestras.
