Registration for THSO 2026-2027 is now CLOSED!
OUR INSTRUCTORS
The Tallahassee Homeschool String Orchestra (THSO) is a string education program in Tallahassee, FL.
Learn more about our instructors and our program on our About Page.
Joann Solari
INSTRUCTOR
Erika Sciascia
INSTRUCTOR
OUR ENSEMBLES
POCO PLAYERS
Wednesdays at TRBC from 10:05 am to 10:40 am (Choir Room)
Ages 3-5
For brand new students to strings or those with up to one year of violin, viola, or cello experience.
Students can expect to learn (1) proper instrument and bow hold, (2) basic musicianship, (3) Twinkle rhythms and variations, (4) basic music terminology and beginning note reading, and (5) basic ensemble skills.
Students are taught by a Suzuki-trained instructor with songs, games, and fun pieces.
ALLEGRETTO PLAYERS
Wednesdays at TRBC from 10:45 am to 11:20 am (Choir Room)
Ages 5-8 (up to 2 years’ experience)
Ages 6-8 (no prior experience)
Students can expect to build upon the skills learned in Poco Players such as consistent posture, basic bow control, basic rhythms, and increased concentration. Additionally they will be cultivating proficiency in (1) ensemble skills, (2) basic musicianship, (3) independent playing, (4) basic music terminology and beginning note reading, and (5) more challenging repertoire.
Students are taught by a Suzuki-trained instructor with songs, games, and fun pieces.
PRELUDIO
Wednesdays at TRBC from 10:45 am to 11:20 am (Room 202)
Ages 6-9 (with 2-3 years’ experience)
Ages 9-11 (no prior experience)
Continues working through Suzuki book 1, beginning reading notes and rhythms, ensemble independence, and further develop proper string technique such as bow control and left hand finger patters/placement, and better prepare for Da Capo Strings.
Some older new students may benefit from this class before moving to Da Capo taught by a Suzuki-trained instructor with songs, games, and fun pieces.
DA CAPO STRINGS
Wednesdays at TRBC from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm (Room 202)
Ages 9-12 (with 1 year or more string experience)
Good string technique should be established already (controlled bow technique, proper finger placement, improved intonation); ability to learn music with minimal assistance.
Students in this class will learn (1) fundamental principles of playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass), (2) music reading and terminology, and (3) basic ensemble technique. This class uses the Essential Elements for Strings Book 1.
ACCELERANDO
Wednesdays at TRBC from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm (Choir Room)
Accelerando provides string instruction between the levels of Da Capo Strings and Sinfonia Allegro. It consists of a chamber string orchestra for students typically six years old or older who have already completed one or more years in Da Capo Strings or possess equivalent playing skills, such as knowing basic one-octave scales (C major, G major, D major) and possessing music reading skills. Students in Accelerando focus on beginning orchestra ensemble techniques and study orchestral repertoire at a 1 and 1.5 level. This class uses the Uni-Tunes books by Carole Nunez.
While no audition is required for Accelerando, students must be recommended by the Director to join.
SINFONIA ALLEGRO
Wednesdays at TRBC from 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm (Choir Room)
Sinfonia Allegro is an audition-only string orchestra for intermediate players who are typically in private lessons. Auditions are held each fall and include (1) scales and arpeggios (G, A, B-flat, C, D, and F), (2) sight-reading, (3) excerpts from the semester repertoire, and (4) a prepared solo. Students in Sinfonia Allegro use Habits of a Successful Middle Level String Musician by Christopher Selby and Scott Rush and additional orchestral pieces and arrangements at levels 2, 2.5, and 3. Participation in Sinfonia Allegro introduces students to four-part ensemble playing while reinforcing techniques such as scales, articulation, and intonation.
For more information about auditions, please email tallyhomeschoolstrings@gmail.com
ARIOSO
Wednesdays at TRBC from 1:25 pm to 2:25 pm (Choir Room)
Arioso is an audition-only orchestra for more advanced players who are typically in private lessons. Auditions are held each fall and include (1) multi-octave scales and arpeggios (commensurate with FOA All-State 9-10 level), (2) assigned orchestra excerpts, (3) sight-reading, and (4) a prepared solo. Students in Arioso use Habits of a Successful String Musician by Christopher Selby and Scott Rush as well as other orchestral pieces and arrangements at levels 3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5. Participation in Arioso reinforces techniques such as shifting and multi-octave scales and arpeggios as well as advanced ensemble playing.
For more information about auditions, please email tallyhomeschoolstrings@gmail.com.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Fill out our testimonial form here.