Program Philosophy
- Develop the mastery of performance skills and techniques on the string instrument,
- Develop effective ensemble performance skills,
- Foster a learning environment of support and respect among students of different musical backgrounds, levels, and musical preferences,
- Cultivate the enjoyment of music performance and develop students into lifelong music performers and supporters
Course Description
Orchestra classes will meet every day for the entire school year. Students in the orchestra classes will work on techniques for their chosen string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass) and develop the skills to perform in a small and large ensemble group. The course curriculum follows the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) listed below:
MMSO.1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MMSO.2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
MMSO.3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
MMSO.4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
MMSO.5. Reading and notating music.
MMSO.6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
MMSO.7. Evaluating music and music performances.
MMSO.8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
MMSO.9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Orchestra Classes
6th Grade Orchestra
The River Trail 6th Grade Orchestra Class will introduce students to large ensemble performance and basic performance techniques on the string instrument. There are two 6th Grade Orchestra classes, which meet every day. Students are assigned randomly to either class regardless of musical performance level. The majority of students in each class are beginning students with little or no background in music. The teacher will adjust some instructional materials to accommodate students that have taken lessons prior to the start of the school year. The sixth grade orchestra classes will perform as one ensemble during the Winter and Spring Concerts and separately for the Large Group Performance Evaluation Concert.
7th and 8th Grade Concert Orchestra
The 7th and 8th Grade Concert Orchestra classes continue the development of ensemble performance skills, instrument techniques, and an understanding of music literature and history. There is one concert orchestra class for each grade level which meets every day during the school year. Each Concert Orchestra group will perform as separate ensembles for the Winter Concert and Large Group Performance Evaluation Concert. The two grade level Concert Orchestra groups will perform as one ensemble for the Spring Concert.
Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is open to 7th and 8th grade students and must audition during the previous school year. Students must be a current member of the River Trail Orchestra program for one school year in order to be eligible for the following school year. Students who transfer from other schools may audition for the Chamber Orchestra within 2 weeks after enrolling at River Trail Middle School. Classroom behavior, attitude and musical aptitude from the previous year are considered for selection into the Chamber Orchestra.