WILKINS JUNIOR HIGH CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Of course, this is purely subjective, however, most students find Orchestra to be very enjoyable. Music performance classes often allow students to express themselves creatively in way that the other academic classes do not necessarily allow students to do.

 

The Wilkins Junior High Concert Orchestra also participates in many fun activities, such as field trips to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and to the Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags Great America. We also perform at many unique venues, such as at Toyota Park Stadium and other locations in the community.

 

Students in Orchestra also find that they make great friends in their music performance classes, and get to do a lot of neat activities with their friends who they share common interests with.

Many students are interested in learning another instrument besides their own (for example: I play the double bass, but I want to learn the viola, as well). With permission from their parents and Mrs. Hudson, students are allowed to try another instrument. Students will meet with Mrs. Hudson at least once per week outside of class to practice their instrument, and must be dedicated to learn their new instrument. Additionally, students who want to learn a second instrument are encouraged to take private lessons.

 

Once the student is capable on their second instrument, Mrs. Hudson encourages them to learn orchestra music and perform on their second instrument for a few songs per performance.

All students in the Wilkins Junior High Concert Orchestra also participate in the Symphonic Winds and Strings ensemble, which is a combination of the junior high orchestra and band. This groups performs advanced, full orchestral literature. The Symphonic Winds and Strings ensemble rehearses one morning per week before school.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

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As students enter 7^th grade, they have the option to take one Encore class. Orchestra is considered an Encore class, and so it fulfills this requirement.

 

In 8th grade, students also have the opportunity to take two Encore classes. At this time, students can take Orchestra and another class such as a foreign language or Modular Technology.

 

Every day, students in the Wilkins Junior High Concert Orchestra have a daily sectional lesson, which takes up one period of daily class. Additionally, students in the Orchestra have rehearsals before school three days per week (for more information about these rehearsals, see below).

How does Junior High Orchestra fit into my junior high class schedule?

What is the Symphonic Winds and Strings Ensemble?

Can I learn another instrument?

Is Orchestra in Junior High fun?

It is highly recommended that students in the Wilkins Junior High Orchestra take private lessons, but it is not required to participate in the ensemble.

 

 However, Mrs. Hudson strongly encourages that all students who are interested in improving their proficiency on their instrument take private lessons. For more information about private lessons and teachers, please click here.

Do I have to take private lessons to be in the Orchestra?

In order to succeed in Orchestra, it definitely requires a time commitment on the part of both the student and also the student’s family.

 

Students are required to practice their home instrument and to be prepared for Orchestra class and rehearsals. Mrs. Hudson suggests that students practice their instruments at home 30 minutes per day, at least 5 days per week. However, if students are able to be prepared for class with more or less practice time, that is acceptable.

 

Students must also be able to attend all required Orchestra concerts and events. It is the responsibility of both the student and the student’s family to make every effort to attend and be on time for Orchestra events.

 

Orchestra families are strongly encouraged to attend Orchestra events and to volunteer to help the Indian Springs District #109 Orchestra program grow! Please support your young musicians by attending their concerts, performances, and supporting their practice routine at home. Also, Mrs. Hudson takes all the help she can get—if you are interested in volunteering for our Orchestra program, please contact Mrs. Hudson as soon as possible by clicking here!

What is the time commitment to participate in Orchestra?

The Wilkins Junior High Concert Orchestra rehearses three days per week before school starts from 7:30-8:10 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Orchestra students have string rehearsals. On Friday mornings, the Orchestra combines with the junior high band students to form the Symphonic Winds and Strings Ensemble.

 

Bus transportation is provided for all students who need it to attend these rehearsals.

 

Additionally, having Orchestra rehearsals in the mornings before school frees up a significant amount of time for students so that they are able to join other clubs, sports teams, or activities at the Junior High level, all of which take place after school is over.

When does the Junior High Orchestra rehearse?

To contact Mrs. Hudson:

School Phone Number: (708) 496-8708 ext. 549

School Fax Number: (708) 728-3114

E-mail: chudson@isd109.org