An MISD orchestra student’s journey through eight years of beautiful music is both mapped out with high expectations of outcomes and differentiated to his or her personal musical ambitions and passion.
Every orchestra student at any ability level can fully participate in the orchestra program through high school. They will be challenged with every opportunity to perform in solos, ensembles, in a large orchestra, and to compete if they wish. Extra help is provided through coaching in each grade – all funded through donations. From 5th to 8th grade, parents play an important role in their children’s music education – from parent-child lessons in 5th grade through instilling good practice habits and assessment in the middle school.
Advanced students, those who are pursuing music with outside lessons and additional practice, have extra sectional, performance and other opportunities starting in 5th grade. As examples, all 5th grade students have two morning rehearsals per week; high school students may have a master class with a professional musician; and in all grades, advanced students are given solos or ensembles at concerts. Finally, an audition-based Chamber Ensemble is a class opportunity for advanced students in 10th-12th grades.
Please check your child’s grade page for more specific information.