SIS Coda Orchestra Information
Dear Middle School Parents,
It has been an exciting year to move Coda Orchestra into the day schedule this year. We will continue to offer an excellent musical education to our talented Middle School students in 2013-2014 school year.
About the Class
Coda Orchestra is a full orchestra ensemble (strings, winds, percussion) for grade 7 and 8 students. This ensemble is made up of those members that have passed the audition.
The regular Opus or Prelude Strings classes will still be offered for other students who prefer to play in String Orchestra. Placement into the Prelude and Opus classes is done by the recommendation of the music teacher based on class performance.
Advantages:
As the Orchestra size is 50 - 60 students, the course will be taught by both the instrumental teacher and the strings teacher. The strings will work on the individual parts and technique with the strings teacher and the band instruments with the instrumental teacher. The two groups will come together in the band room to rehearse the music for concerts. This will allow for a more structured program where students will receive more individualized instruction every other day. This change will also allow students to participate in the Orchestra program without loosing out on other after school activities, clubs, hogwons, and sports.
Auditions:
Only students who pass the audition process will be allowed to register for the Coda Orchestra course. The audition requirements are difficult and only some students have the ability to play the music precisely. This is done on purpose to draw out the most talented students who are really dedicated to Orchestra and their instrument. If everybody could play the audition music easily, it would not encourage students to excel and work hard.
Students who are chosen will choose ‘Coda Orchestra’ for their 2013-2014 music class in late April of this school year.
* Please refer to audition information in the back page
How to increase the chances of making Orchestra:
There is very strong competition for particular instruments in the Orchestra and limited space. These instruments are Violin and Cello. Students who choose to play an instrument that the ensemble still requires stand a better chance of making it into the Coda Orchestra. Instruments that are short in supply are Double Bass and Viola.
Ms. Julia Kim & Mr. Kris Richardson
Directors of Orchestra
Coda Symphony Orchestra Audition Guidelines
(String instruments-grade 7& 8)
Dear Students,
Our school provides a full symphony orchestra class for middle school students. Playing in the school orchestra can be very musically satisfying. If you play an orchestral instrument and would like to be a member of our Coda Symphony Orchestra, please consider playing in the audition during March 5th-7th.
Please read the guidelines carefully to be prepared for your audition.
*Audition sign-up sheet is on Ms. Kim’s door. Deadline to sign-up is Wednesday, February 27th.
Audition date: Tuesday, March 5th (violins), Wednesday, March 6th (violas & basses), and Thursday, March 7th (cellos) during lunch recess and after school.
Audition time: your designated time (check your time on the Strings room door before Thursday, February 28th)
Audition place: Strings room- B011
Follow these procedures:
§ Arrive 10 minutes before your audition time. Tune up and warm up.
§ You may warm up in the Strings Room. Audition will take place in the practice rooms.
§ Bring your instrument, music, and audition form (filled out) to the audition room.
Preparation for the audition
· You will be asked to play your given excerpt, scales, and one sight-reading piece.
· Scales: if the scales are not up to a high standard, the audition will be disqualified.
· Vibrato: Do NOT use vibrato on scale 1; use vibrato on scale 2 and the excerpt.
· Bowings & Fingerings: All marked bowings and fingerings are required.
· Spiccato: Selection 3 involves a “bouncing bow” off the string. Discuss this with your teacher.
· Metronome: All marked tempos are required.
Criteria of your audition:
Intonation, tone, rhythmic accuracy/steadiness, vibrato (where appropriate), bow control, articulation, dynamics, shifting, fluency, sight-reading.
*Audition results will be posted no later than Monday, March 11th on Ms. Kim’s door
*If you are chosen, please choose ‘Coda Symphony Orchestra’ as your music class for next school year in late April of 2013
*Fall 2013 Orchestra music will be distributed before summer break for chosen students. Chair placements will be done through an audition in August on those pieces. Please practice the repertoire over the summer!
* If you have any questions, please see Ms. Kim or email: