Strongsville Orchestra Program Overview
Whether you are a
returning member of the orchestra or a new student, welcome to the Strongsville
City Schools Orchestra Program! We are tremendously proud of our strings here,
and our numbers are growing.
Strongsville Orchestra
Facts:
- Every year, between
100 and 125 new 5th and 6th grade students sign up for
orchestra lessons in the Strongsville Elementary Schools.
- Since 1996, the
average size of the Advanced Orchestra has been 60-75 students
- The elementary
orchestra includes students playing violin, viola, cello, and bass.
- Small group lessons
in the elementary schools are taught by Mrs. Rachel Gamin and Mr. Andrew
- Hire.
- The All-City
Orchestra, made up of every elementary string student in the district, is
directed by Mrs. Rachel Gamin. Students younger than grade 5 who are already
taking private lessons may join orchestra at school after a brief placement
audition.
- Students who choose
to continue with string instruction in Middle School may join the string
orchestra class for credit.
- There are currently
four orchestra classes at Strongsville High School, as well as a select
string ensemble that meets outside of school hours.
The Strongsville
Elementary Orchestra Program:
- In accordance with
the Strongsville Schools curriculum requirements for instrumental music,
students in elementary orchestra will have two lessons a week: small group
lessons on their specific instruments and the large ensemble rehearsal
(All-City Orchestra).
- Students are
responsible for providing their own instrument (we recommend renting until
the student has made a clear commitment) and all necessary materials.
Lessons are provided free of charge during the school day.
- The purpose of the
first year of string lessons is to train for basic performance skills,
develop music literacy, and introduce concert etiquette.
- The second year of
elementary training consists of increasing the student’s repertoire of
skills, practicing and perfecting existing skills, increasing music
literacy, development of independence, and learning musical expression.
- The philosophy of
the directors is that orchestra should be a safe and fun learning
environment that enhances each student’s overall educational experience.
Every student is valued and every student is encouraged to develop their
skills to the greatest possible degree.
To learn more about the
curriculum, click on the links below:
Advanced Strings
Beginning
Strings
To learn more about Mrs. Gamin,
click here.