Course Descriptions

6th Grade Orchestra
Membership is open to all 6th grade students who wish to extend their knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of music by continuing to learn or learning to play a string instrument. The student will usually be expected to furnish his own instrument. Attention is focused on introductory music fundamentals, technical achievement, and acquisition of performance and rehearsal skills through exposure to a variety of literature. The 6th grade orchestra will perform on the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May. One or two after school rehearsals may be required before each concert. The 6th grade orchestra may also perform at the 6th grade orchestra festival. By the end of the year, students will be expected to complete a minimum of Virginia Beach Public Schools orchestra Proficiency Levels A, B, and part of C. Books needed: "Essential Elements 2000 plus DVD," For Strings, Book I and "Essential Elements 2000 plus DVD," For Strings, Book 2 (later in the school year).

7th Grade Orchestra
Membership is open to all 7th grade students who have passed, with at least a C average, both semesters of 6th grade orchestra in the previous year and have completed Proficiency Level B. Director approval is required if these standards have not been met. The course will be a continuation of the technical training started in the 6th grade class. Emphasis is placed on the acquisition of skills necessary to meet high standards of music performance. The student will be exposed to a wide variety of orchestra literature and will be expected to complete a minimum of Proficiency Level C and Part of D by the end of the year. The group will perform in the Winter Concert in December and the Spring Concert in May. The 7th grade orchestra will also perform with the 8th grade orchestra in the VBDOA Orchestra Festival in March. Some rehearsals will be required after school, to combine classes before the judged festival performance. Books needed: "Essential Elements 2000," For Strings, Book II and “Essential Techniques,” For Strings.

8th Grade Orchestra
Membership is open to 8th grade students who have successfully completed 7th grade orchestra or have the approval of the director and have exhibited the necessary attitude, playing ability, and maturity to succeed at this level. Students are acquainted with the great heritage of orchestral literature and are given the opportunity to develop high standards of general musicianship. Emphasis is placed on artistic performance commensurate with the maturation level and experience of the group. Students will perform in the Winter Concert in December, Orchestra Festival in March, Spring Concert in May, and on other occasions as deemed appropriate. Before or after school sectional and full orchestra rehearsals will be required. Sectional rehearsals may be held approximately once every two weeks from November through February; and full orchestra rehearsals may be held before each concert. By the end of the year, students will be expected to complete a minimum of Proficiency Level D and part of Level E. Book needed: “Essential Techniques,” For Strings.

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