All students participate in orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, performance classes, and the Grand Finale Concert. Students will choose one Elective I and one Elective II. Cello and Bass students may register for both Chamber Music and Cello-Bass Ensemble. Beginning orchestra students will participate in assigned music classes.
Elective I
Conducting
(entering 9th grade or higher)
No prior experience required. Participating students will have an opportunity to conduct and perform in an ensemble of conducting students in a recital with the World Music Ensemble on Thursday, June 17th.
Music History
(open to all students)
Learn about the composers whose music you are playing during the week. A brief overview of composers' lives, their music, and the pieces the orchestras perform at the Grand Finale Concert.
Music Theory and Composition
(open to all students)
An introduction to fundamentals of music theory and principles of composition. Emphasis on key signatures, intervals, scales and triads. Sight singing and ear training included, along with compositional exercises.
World Music Ensemble
(alternative string styles. Strings and drum set)
Open to percussion and intermediate/advanced strings who are interested in learning various styles of fiddle music ranging from celtic to country. Participants will perform in a recital with the conducting elective students ensemble on Thursday, June 17th.
All-State Etude Workshop (limited to high school string students)
A survey of the etudes selected for the TMEA all-state orchestra auditions, including the development of practice strategies. The final session may include a mock audition (dependent upon enrollment).
Elective II
Chamber Music / Percussion Ensemble
(limited availability)
Open to advanced students. Students are assigned to a group of two to eight players (such as string quartets, wind quintets, brass quintet, mixed ensemble of strings and winds, and percussion ensemble). Repertoire is chosen based on level and experience. All groups will meet daily for rehearsals and coachings. Preformed groups are welcome. Repertoire request may be made ahead of time. Chamber music students perform on Friday, June 18th.
ATTENTION STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE CHAMBER MUSIC ELECTIVE
Enrollment in chamber music requires submission of an audition recording (CD/DVD/cassette). This recording must include a representative solo work such as a movement of a concerto or sonata (with or without accompaniment) and a three-octave scale of the student's choice. Students are encouraged to submit supporting materials, i.e. a list of works/etudes studied, to aid in their ensemble placement. Recordings must be received by May 30th; recordings submitted after this deadline may be considered if there is a need for the student's instrument. Chamber music ensembles will be formed based on faculty input by May 14th, and music will be mailed to selected participants for purposes of preparation prior to the ASMF. All efforts will be made to accomodate students interested in participating in chamber music.
Cello-Bass Ensemble
The Cello-Bass Ensemble, a chamber music elective option for any cello or bass student (not limited to age or ability), will explore a variety of musical genres including classical music, jazz-influenced repertoire and folk styles as well as principles of improvisation. Rehearsals of the Cello-Bass Ensemble will culminate in a performance on the Friday evening student chamber music concert. Please note: advanced cello and bass students may choose to participate in both the Cello-Bass Ensemble and chamber music.
Free time for recreational activities