Our Orchestras
4th Grade Orchestra
The 4th grade is when students can participate in orchestra. They will be able to choose the violin, viola, cello, or bass. The first year of instruction is focused on basic set-up of how to hold the instrument and play with proper technique. We pluck for the first couple months of instruction while songs are learned by ear. Later on, the bow is used, and students will start to learn music notation. 4th grade students will have a thirty minute lesson each week. These students will participate in a concert at the end of the year.
5th Grade Orchestra
In the 5th grade, orchestra students will play in an orchestra ensemble in addition to their thirty minute weekly lesson. This is the time when students hone their skills in reading music notation and playing with a group. These students will participate in two concerts.
6th Grade Orchestra
6th Grade Orchestra meets every day during 6th grade enrichment. Some students may be in orchestra every day of the six-day cycle, or two or three days, depending on if they are in band and/or chorus. In addition to this ensemble time, 6th graders will continue to have a weekly thirty minute lesson. 6th grade orchestra will perform a piece of their own on each concert, and will then combine with the 7th/8th grade orchestras. 6th grade is when students start to add more advanced skills to their basic knowledge of their instrument.
7th/8th Grade Orchestra
In the 7th and 8th grades, advanced techniques such as shifting and vibrato are focused on. In addition to the Christmas and Spring Concerts, 7th and 8th graders play for the Veteran's Day Assembly, and are also eligible to participate in Keystone Strings.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
High School Orchestra
High School Orchestra is the culmination of everything learned in the junior high school orchestras. High School Orchestra Students will play a variety of different genres of music from classical to rock. As a high school orchestra student, more learning opportunities are presented, such as field trips and work shops. 10th-12th graders are eligible to compete and participate in PMEA festivals.
Golden Eagle String Quartet
Advanced high school musicians will have the chance to be selected for a string quartet. String quartets are asked to play for many events throughout the community, and are self-sufficient small ensembles.