STRING ORCHESTRA

The String Orchestra (SO) is for string students who have had some orchestral experience, and who have intermediate skills in bowing techniques and in reading music.  SO allows string players to continue to develop skills in ensemble performance, and to receive more individualized instruction than would be possible in a full orchestra setting.  The goal for SO is to perform more complex and challenging repertory than students of this level have played previously, and to develop the technique and ensemble skills necessary for future success in larger orchestras.  Repertoire has included Meyer's Rosin Eating Zombies from Outer Space and arrangements of Kabalevsky's Dance and Toccatina and Borodin's Polovetsian Dances.  Students auditioning for the String Orchestra are expected to have an understanding of the first three positions and to have started work on vibrato.  Typical SO audition solos are at the level of Suzuki Book 4 for violins, and Suzuki Books 3 or 4 for the lower strings.