Orchestra instruction is available on four levels, Beginner, Intermediate, Chamber Strings and a fully orchestrated group, the Symphony Orchestra. At each level, different music types and styles are explored while skills and technique are being sharpened. We offer opportunities for students to perform, as well as leadership opportunities for older students. Unlike public school orchestral students who have the opportunity to practice together daily, these students are highly motivated and spend a great deal of time at home practicing, as well as performing for various concerts, home school conventions, and at the Georgia Capitol.
Beginner Strings
Primary Instructor: April Pettus with Marla Majette
2 – 3
Beginner Strings is for students with little or no musical training on their instrument, or those trained in Suzuki, but not yet reading music. To participate in Beginner Strings, students must be at least 9 years old and attend an Instrument Fitting. The Instrument Fitting is a time for your child to see the different instruments under the direction of trained personnel. With the information gathered at this time, we are better able to determine what instrument your child would enjoy playing based on his aptitude, ability, and desire. Instrument Fittings will be conducted at Eastside Baptist Church. See our Calendar page for details. Every effort is made to ensure your child’s success. If you already have an instrument, please bring it to the fitting.
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Essential Elements 2000, Black 1″ notebook for music, concert dress.
Intermediate Strings
Primary Instructor- Marla Majette with April Pettus
1 – 2
The Intermediate Strings is available for those students who have played at least two years on their instrument. This class will work on skills necessary to play in an orchestra while continuing to polish techniques such as intonation and posture. Students who wish to participate in this class must play in the String Program auditions held at the beginning of the year. Auditions are required for all new students seeking to be enrolled in this class.
Audition Requirements for the Intermediate Orchestra are:
1. G Major scale 2 octaves
2. D Major scale 1 octave
3. Sight-reading
4. Prepared piece
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Essential Elements 2000- Book 2, Black 1″ notebook for music, concert dress.
Chamber Strings
Primary Instructor- April Pettus with Marla Majette
12 – 1
Chamber Strings is available for those students who have played several years and attained a certain level of proficiency on their instrument. This class will seek to play a high level of string orchestra repertoire. Advanced students will be developing leadership skills by helping with sectional practices and younger string classes. Auditions are required for all new students seeking to be enrolled in this class.
Required Materials: Instrument, Music Stand, Pencil, Black 1″ notebook for music, concert dress, Essential Technique 2000 for Strings – Book 3
Symphony Orchestra
Primary Instructor: Marla Majette with April Pettus
11 – 12
Symphony Orchestra is a new ensemble developed to further the education and experience of our most advanced string, wind, brass, and percussion students. Students in this class will be learning how to play in a full orchestra while rehearsing and performing some of the great masterpieces for symphony orchestra. Students who wish to audition for the Symphony Orchestra must have several years of playing experience. All string players in Symphony Orchestra must also participate in Chamber Strings. Wind, brass, and percussion students chosen for Symphony Orchestra must also participate in their assigned band. Auditions are required for all new students seeking to be enrolled in this class.