Symphony Orchestra

Carlmont Instrumental Music

Symphony Orchestra – Mr. Switzer, Ms. Webster

Course Overview

The Symphony Orchestra is designed to foster performance confidence, aesthetic perception, creative expression, an awareness of the historical and cultural heritage of music, and responsible citizenship through the performance of current and classical orchestral literature. As a music performance organization, student participation in all rehearsals and performances scheduled inside or outside of the school day is required. Students must practice their instruments regularly to perform at their highest ability level.

Orchestra performances include formal concerts, community concerts, adjudicated music festivals, as well as solo and small ensemble concerts and festivals. The opportunity for individuals to audition for and perform in the spring musical as well as the CMEA All-State Honor Orchestra is also available. All activities outside of the daily class period will be scheduled and posted well in advance of the event or application deadline.

Students are evaluated on participation, citizenship, rehearsal behavior, and performance of the assigned music on their particular instrument as well as their contribution to the total ensemble. Students may also be evaluated via tests and quizzes on the objectives below. For further details students should refer to the Carlmont Instrumental Music Handbook.

Course Objectives

The student will:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of how sound is generated
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of musical terminology
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music in the areas of music theory,
    style, dynamics, articulation, rhythm, and form
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of proper tone production on their instrument
  5. Listen to and respond to music accurately and intellectually
  6. Communicate musical ideas effectively through the use of standard music notation
  7. Demonstrate sight-singing and ear training techniques
  8. Identify some of the expressive elements in the music of different cultures and ethnic
    groups
  9. Describe some of the social and historical situations which influence the composition,
    style, and performance of string music
  10. Demonstrate an awareness of the various facets of the music profession
  11. Regularly apply appropriate practice technique
  12. Perform appropriate levels of written music
  13. Perform chromatic and two octave major scales in all major keys