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 state capitol.

 

BEGINNER ORCHESTRA

Instructors: April Pettus & Marla Majett

Time: 2-3 p.m.

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 6 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 Sandy Plains 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, Orchestra Expressions–Book 1 published by Alfred, black notebook for music, metronome/tuner, concert dress.

 

INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA

Instructors: Marla Majett & April Pettus

Time: 1-2 p.m.

The Intermediate Strings is available for those students who have played at least one year 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:

  1. Viola, Cello & Bass: G Major 1 octave; Violin: G Major scale 2 octaves
  2. Method Book Excerpt: #33 – “Accidental Encounter” (from Sound Innovations–Book 2)

Required Materials: Instrument, music stand, pencil, Sound Innovations–Book 2 published by Alfred, black notebook for music, metronome/tuner, concert dress.

 

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

Instructors: April Pettus & Marla Majett

Time: Noon – 1 p.m.

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.

Audition Requirements:

  1. Viola, Cello & Bass: G Major scale 2 octaves;    Violin: G Major scale 3 octaves
  2. Method Book Excerpt: #124 Chorale in D p. 23 from Essential Technique 2000 for Strings–Book 3
  3. Orchestral Except: #137 Simple Gifts p. 27 from Essential Technique 2000 for Strings–Book 3

Required Materials: Instrument, music stand, pencil, black notebook for music, concert dress, metronome/tuner, and Essential Technique 2000 for Strings–Book 3

 

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Instructors: Marla Majett & April Pettus

Time: 11 a.m. – Noon

Symphony Orchestra is an 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.  This is more of a chamber-like experience for wind and brass students, with each student playing individual parts.  Students who wish to participate in 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.