COURSE OFFERINGS

Any questions regarding the Orchestras? Contact the Orchestra Office at 416-2909 or e-mail Catherine Depent

General Orchestra

Any student new to P-CEP will register for General Orchestra until an audition determines placement. Auditions will be scheduled through the middle school orchestra for incoming 9 th graders and individually for students new to P-CEP. ALL CURRENT Orchestra students will audition for placement in the spring. Auditions for Orchestra can be scheduled by calling the Orchestra Office at 416-2909.

Concert Orchestra

The Concert Orchestra is open to beginning and intermediate string students. The ensemble will perform three or four major concerts each year and will also participate in MSBOA District Festival. Students will focus on developing advanced playing techniques including shifting, development of vibrato and standard orchestral bowings. Students will have the opportunity to perform at Solo and Ensemble Festival and to participate in Chamber Orchestra.

Symphony Orchestra

The Symphony Orchestra is open by audition to intermediate and advanced string students. The symphony combines with select students from the Wind Ensemble to rehearse weekly and perform four major concerts throughout the school year. The ensemble also performs for both District and national music festivals. Outstanding performers are also given the opportunity to participate in the pit orchestra for the All-School Musical, perform with the Chamber Orchestra and participate in Solo Festival.

Middle School Orchestra

The string program in our schools is an exciting and rewarding musical opportunity--we are glad you are interested in becoming part of it! Here are the answers to some of the more frequently asked questions.

Lessons are offered to any middle school student on violin, viola and cello. A select number may be given the opportunity to learn string bass. Instruments are available through a number of area music stores--we suggest that you rent for at least the first year. String instruments are sized to the individual student and rental plans allow the instrument to “grow” with your child.

Students with prior playing experience will join our intermediate/advanced class, which meets at the same time and in the same location. We will work with students and parents to determine the best placement for our musicians.

Class meets daily at the High School from 7:00-7:45am. Students ride the high school bus (or are driven by parents). There are two shuttle busses that return them to their middle schools in time for first hour. Students receive a grade for participating in orchestra, and perform in several concerts during the year.

Students will have minimal contact with high schoolers--We will do all that we can do to promote their safety, and to insure a positive experience.

It is critical that you notify the middle school guidance office regarding your child’s enrollment in orchestra. Please do this immediately so that we can make sure adequate space is reserved on the shuttle busses. It is also imperative that your child be on the “official” class list so that we can keep track of attendance, grades and have access to student schedules and contact information.

Feel free to call us at any time if you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress. We will return all calls as soon as possible. The number at school is 416-2909. Progress for beginning strings can be slow--be patient, your child is beginning an activity that will provide enrichment and pleasure for their entire life! Rest assured that we will contact you if there is a problem, or something we need to work on together.

How much practice? Regular practice is the key element to success. It is better to practice 20 min. a day five days each week than to practice 2 hours the night before a lesson. We will play daily in class, but additional practice at home will speed your child’s progress. Practicing is “homework” for the orchestra, and will make class more enjoyable. It is perfectly normal to have students resist practice--help your child set up a quiet place and a regular schedule. Be supportive, no matter what it sounds like at first!

We rehearse in the Orchestra Room (300) in the Canton North Building at Plymouth Canton Educational Park. Students can ride the high school bus from their neighborhood or be dropped off by a parent. (traffic is heavy in the mornings, please allow sufficient time). Shuttle busses will transport students back to the middle schools before first hour.