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 Orchestra Program
There are five levels of learning in the orchestra program. These levels are used to track the students' progress and to aid the teachers in placing students in orchestras and ensembles. Students receive a weekly grade for each lesson and are graded per trimester at the elementary schools and quarterly at the Junior High. Click below to view each program.
Beginning Orchestra
Director: Mr Mike Govert
Phone: (847) 504-3526
e-Mail: mgovert@northbrook28.net
Director: Mrs. Deb Peterson
Phone: (847) 504-3529
e-Mail: dpeterson@northbrook28.net
Students in the Beginning Orchestra are first year string players. They start with no experience and play in a level I lesson book. Students concentrate on beginning note reading and mastering the basics of the playing positions. Early in the first year of instruction, beginning students will be placed in small groups either by instrument or by school to reinforce playing skills learned at the individual lessons. Students will begin rehearsing together as a large orchestra before the first concert in December. They continue to rehearse two times per week in sectionals and in large group rehearsals.
Expectations of the Large Group
The student will:
- Learn proper rehearsal behavior
- To play only when instructed to do so.
- To be quiet and attentive
- To be responsible for having all material at rehearsals.
- How to sit when playing.
- Begin learning music listening skills leading to playing in tune and together.
- Learn basic counting skills.
- Learn how to watch and obey basic conducting signals.
Performance Opportunities
There will be three performances of the large group
- In December as a "progress" performance.
- In March
- In May
In addition, the orchestra will perform in the three elementary schools in the spring as part of the new student recruitment program.
Cadet Orchestra
Director: Mrs. Deb Peterson
Phone: (847) 504-3529
e-Mail: dperterson@northbrook28.net
Students placed in the Cadet Orchestra are primarily second year students. These students will begin the year working in the major tetrachord and move on to the minor tetrachord. In orchestra the students will work on basic ensemble skills such as dynamics, group listening activities, proper rehearsal routine, and following basic conducting patterns and signals. This orchestra will rehearse twice a week with occasional sectionals and/or small ensemble work.
Expectations of the Large Group
The student will:
- Continue to refine level one skills.
- Develop dynamic skills.
- Learn to play with a sense of part balance.
- Develop confidence to play in five parts.
- Continue to developed rhythmic skills.
- Learn "C"--common time.
- Learn "C"--cut time.
- Learn ensemble skills.
- Eye contact
- Physcial cueing
- Body gestures (movement)
Performance Opportunities
There will be three performances for the Cadet Orchestra
- In Mid-December
- In March
- In May
Each student will take part in a recital in mid-winter. In addition, the Cadet Orchestra will have a half-day special music event each year.
String Orchestra
Director: Angie Glueckert
Phone: (847) 504-3527
e-Mail: aglueckert@northbrook28.net
Students placed in the String Orchestra will begin the year reviewing the concepts from Level Two. Students will then focus on backward extensions and continue working on expectations for level III. In orchestra the students will work on solidifying their knowledge and use of key signatures, dynamics, style, rhythm and ensemble playing. All players will be expected to display proper orchestra and rehearsal etiquette. This orchestra will rehearse three times a week. Students will generally perform in this orchestra for two years.
Expectations of the Large Group
The student will:
- Continue to refine level one and two skills.
- Develop leadership skills.
- Develop ensemble playing skills by listening and watching.
- Develop confidence and refine playing skills by taking part in small ensembles.
- Learn to play with correct style by studying composer history and listening to recorded examples.
- Strive to perform at a higher personal level at each performance.
- Use orchestra time to put shifting and vibrato skills to use.
- Be expected to follow and understand bowing marks.
Performance Opportunities
There will be three major performances for the Sring Orchestra
- In Mid-December
- In March
- In May
The String Orchestra students will participate in an recital in the Fall. The orchestra will tour the elementary schools in the Spring . Junor High students in String Orchestra are encouraged to participate in the Solo and Ensemble Festival in February..
Chamber Orchestra
Director: Mrs Sarah K. Stanley
Phone: (847) 504-3528
e-Mail: sstanley@northbrook28.net
Students in this orchestra will exhibit a solid ability on their instrument, and are working at levels four and five. Students in this orchestra must be in the sixth, seventh or eighth grade. This orchestra rehearses three times a week.
Expectations of the Large Group
The student will:
- Continue to refine orchestra rehearsal and playing skills.
- Continue to develop stylistic playing (to include bowing styles).
- Develop high personal and ensemble performance standards
Performance Opportunities
- There are three major evening performances at school.
- In Mid-December
- In March
- In May
- Two school assemblies
- Contests and / or other educational events.
- Graduation-alternating years with Honor Choir and Wind Ensemble
- All of the students of this level will be strongly encouraged to take part in the Solo and Ensemble festival.
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