Syllabus

Welcome to Orchestra at Edison Preparatory High School!

For the complete High School Syllabus, click here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1plHmjedXKGZj0Bt9jiiJc5_1nHCGv5BT5iHKc4jFJAA/edit?usp=sharing 

EXPECTATIONS:

1. For all classes, students need their instrument, book (Essential Elements), music, and pencil. EVERY day.

2. Students must have their fingernails trimmed everyday.  We are learning to play in tune and developing great tone.  Long fingernails and/or extensions prohibit students from doing either.

3. Students practice their instruments EVERY day. Students may be required to upload short videos of themselves playing their instruments periodically. 

SUPPLIES:

In addition to having an operable instrument and the issued music, all students must have these materials every day. 

• Pencil that always has a sharp point and a good eraser. A pencil is required for ALL rehearsals, and WILL BE USED IN ALL REHEARSALS.

• Rosin—purchase rosin for your instrument.  Recommended high quality brands are:

  • violin, viola, & cello: Hill dark, AB dark, Pirastro 

  • double bass: Carlsson, Neiman, or Pops bass rosin

• A soft cloth for cleaning your instrument after each use. (This can be an old T-shirt- cut to an appropriate size, or some other non-lotion cotton cloth.)

• Violins and Violas:  

  • Kun, Wolf, or similar brand shoulder bar. ALL STUDENTS MUST PROVIDE THEIR OWN SHOULDER REST--- THE DIRECTOR CANNOT PROVIDE THIS.

  • Extra set of strings: use Dominant brand strings or higher quality unless your private teacher suggests otherwise. (If local music stores are too expensive there are several whole-sale stores online. I strongly suggest you check www.sharmusic.com and www.swstrings.com for the cheapest prices) 

• Cellos and Basses:

  • Rock stop, or end pin anchor.  Please purchase and keep this item with you. Label it clearly with your name.

  • If you have your own instrument or if you rent: I prefer that you use Helicore (D’Adario) or higher quality strings (if you have a private teacher, please consult them on strings).

• Music stand

CURRICULUM:

● In all Orchestra classes, students will focus on the following musical objectives: 1. Expand tone production 2. Further develop an ear to sense and make pitch adjustment 3. Increase left and right hand technical ability 4. Increase musical language and sight-reading ability 5. Develop habitual practice discipline 6. Further develop performance ability and self-esteem 7. Explore increasingly difficult music as ability allows 8. Develop a functional understanding of Music Theory