ENSEMBLES

POCO PLAYERS

Wednesdays at TRBC from 10:15 am to 10:40 am (Choir Room)

Poco Players provides violin group class instruction for students three to six years old and is open to students with or without previous playing experience. Students with no playing experience may enter each fall. Students in Poco Players 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.

PRELUDIO

Wednesdays at TRBC from 10:55 am to 11:20 am (Choir Room)
Preludio provides violin group class instruction for students four to six years old who have completed at least one year of Poco Players or the equivalent in private lessons.  Students in Preludio can expect to build upon the skills learned in Poco Players as well as 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.

DA CAPO STRINGS

Wednesdays at TRBC from 11:35 am to 12:20 pm (Room 202)

Da Capo Strings is a beginning string orchestra for students typically six years old or older. Students in Da Capo Strings will learn (1) fundamental principles of playing a string instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass), (2) music reading and terminology, and (3) basic ensemble technique. This class uses the Essential Elements for Strings Book 1, and students with no playing experience may join Da Capo Strings each fall. Students from the Preludio class may be invited to Da Capo Strings when they have completed a Twinkle graduation or equivalent and are capable of attending a 45-minute rehearsal.

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 Carold Nunez. While no audition is required for Accelerando, students must be recommended by the Director to join. Accelerando students will join Da Capo Strings students for some classes and for their pieces at the concert.

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 write to 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 write to tallyhomeschoolstrings@gmail.com.

Student Testimonials

When I first joined this orchestra, it was held at someone's house! I have seen it grow into 6 different ensembles! It was here that I learned you don't tap your feet in a string orchestra, that's for band players. Joining this orchestra has vastly expanded my musical knowledge. I am so glad this HOME SCHOOL orchestra exists! If this orchestra wasn't for home-schoolers, I wouldn't get to do it at 1 in the afternoon! And everyone is so nice. Sure it's small, but we all feel like family. Thank you THSO! Abigayle Benoit, Arioso

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