Intended for students with less than 2 years of playing experience or students wishing to learn a second instrument, Prelude Strings performs FOA Class E and D (Grade 1-1.5) literature. Focus is on development/refinement of fundamental playing techniques, including posture, bow hold, and fluency in first position. While students with no playing experience are welcome and fundamentals of reading music will be reviewed, this course is accelerated to prepare students to participate in Concert Orchestra. This ensemble will performs twice per year. Prelude Strings is open to any and all students, with no need for director approval.

PRELUDE STRINGS

CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Intended for students with at least 2-3 years of playing experience, Concert Orchestra consists of students from the Treble and Bass Strings classes and performs FOA Class D and C (Grade 1.5-3) literature. Focus is on development of fluency in lower positions, development of tone, and the refinement of bow control/technique. This ensemble performs twice a year, and students are encouraged to participate in District Solo and Ensemble MPA, All-County Orchestra, and the Sarasota Youth Orchestras.​ Placement is by director approval.

Intended for students with at least 4 years of playing experience, Chamber Orchestra performs FOA Class C and B (Grades 2.5-4) literature. Focus is on familiarity with upper positions and expressive bow technique. This ensemble performs twice a year, and students are encouraged to participate in District Solo and Ensemble MPA, All-County Orchestra, and the Sarasota Youth Orchestras.​ Placement is by director approval.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

SYMPHONY STRINGS & RIVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Our highest level ensemble intended for students with at least 5 years of playing experience, the River Symphony Orchestra consists of the Symphony Strings class and select wind and percussion students. Symphony Strings and the River Symphony Orchestra performs very challenging FOA Class A and B (Grade 4-6) literature, focusing on fluency in all positions and a high level of technical achievement. This ensemble performs 3 times a year, and has a history of Superior ratings at District and State Concert MPA. Students in this ensemble are expected to be available for community performances and will often be involved in collaborations between the Orchestras, Band, Chorus, and Dance. Members of this ensemble often participate in All-State orchestras, the Sarasota Youth Symphony and Philharmonic, and District and State Solo and Ensemble MPA. Placement is by audition only.