Orchestra
District 63 offers a wide variety of orchestra programs serving students from 4th-8th grade in all six schools.
Elementary Orchestra is for 4th and 5th-grade students who want to learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass. These students are in their preparatory stages of learning a stringed instrument. In their first year, they will build a strong foundation of proper bow hold, playing position, note reading, and playing in a string ensemble.
6th-Grade Orchestra is open to 6th-grade students who want to learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass as well as those who want to continue to build on their fundamentals from elementary orchestra. They build a stronger foundation on bow hold, sound production, playing position, note reading, and playing in a string ensemble. This is a class that meets every day for the full school year.
7th-Grade Orchestra is for 7th-grade students who want to further their orchestral experience. These students will continue to expand their musical knowledge and skills by learning more key signatures, more complex rhythms, tuning, and more. This is a class that meets every day for the full school year.
8th-Grade Orchestra is for 8th-grade students who play the violin, viola, cello, or bass. These students are in their fourth year of string studies, continuing their string pedagogy with in-depth learning of rhythms, note reading, and extended technique. This is a class that meets every day for the full school year.
Gemini Strings is an advanced string ensemble comprised of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. They raise the bar in string musicianship through extensive string studies, including extended techniques such as complex note rhythm and note reading. This ensemble also reaches out into the community by performing at nursing homes, elementary schools, and other community venues. Gemini Strings meets outside of the regular school day twice a week and is optional for Gemini orchestra students.