JUNIOR STRING ORCHESTRA

The Junior String Orchestra (JSO) is for students who have had little or no previous mixed ensemble experience.  JSO members typically range in age from seven to thirteen.  Violin, viola, cello, and bass students who are accepted into this group usually have an understanding of finger patterns in D, G, and C major; basic note reading skills; and familiarity with staccato and detaché bowings.  Students in JSO rehearse weekly and perform arrangements of both classical and popular music.  The group works toward performances and presents four concerts each year.  The challenge of this group is to learn to listen and play in ensemble with a larger group and range of instruments.  Experience in JSO can help the young musician learn the expectations and demands of ensemble playing and prepare for the challenges of the repertoire which they will experience when they play in other orchestras. Students participating in JSO should have experience with reading musical notation, be familiar with simple rhythms, key signatures, and accidentals, and be able to play comfortably on all four strings.

 

The Junior String Orchestra is under the direction of Mr. Samuel Branch.