String Orchestra and String Orchestra I 

Division:  Upper School

Department: Fine and Performing Arts:  Instrumental Music

Course Title/Code:  String Orchestra I         Art  342 and 345 

Course Description:   This course is a performance-oriented class for music instrument players (grade 9-12) who have their own instruments and have completed at least one year of orchestra or ensemble training. The music foundations of performance skills such as tone production and quality, intonation, music style, rhythm, tempo and ensemble balance are included in the work. One playing or theory (include listening) test per trimester is expected. The class may divide into sectional rehearsals with a music faculty or professional musician. This class meets five days a week and once a week they will play with advanced orchestra. There are two main performances during the year in programs with the advanced orchestra and one competition trip outside campus.  

Goals 

Students in US string orchestra will learn the orchestra masterpieces from world famous composers throughout music history. The students will also learn the music styles with the classical music and modem music including the electric ensemble music. The music to be selected for this class will be at level 3 to 4.   

Skills  

• Develop students’ listening skills during the class including major minor scales, intervals, harmony progressing, and pitch recognizing. 
• Reinforce the playing skills using the orchestra parts to challenge students and give the individual instructions for the music phrase, dynamics, tempo and counting on different rhythms.
• Using the scales to improve the students’ awareness and playing abilities of the tone quality and pitch adjustment
• Expand on student knowledge of playing the music in chamber group and developing the relationship between their individual parts, sections and whole orchestra in a widely variety music and their styles.
• Learn the communication with the conductor or group leader during the rehearsals and performance.
• Develop students’ sight-reading skills at the beginning of each new song and some arranged music.

Activities 

• Two evening concerts will play in campus (required).
• One outside campus music festival or competition during the year (not required).

Assessment 

• Graded playing test including the site-reading once a trimester.
• One theory (writing or listening) test during the year.

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