E E Smith High – Orchestra-Beginning

Apr 2026 · 2nd Semester

This course is offered only as needed with the approval of the orchestra director and principal. This course may not be offered at high schools with one orchestra class. Orchestra-Beginning is an introductory level course for students with little or no string instrument experience. Instruction on individual and group technique is offered for the violin, viola, cello, and string bass and is aligned with the Essential Standards music curriculum at the beginning level. This course is a performance-oriented class that plays instrumental literature at levels I-III focusing on music fundamentals, changes in tempi, key signatures, and meter. Music literature represents diverse genres, styles, cultures and historical periods. Students develop basic skills in improvising, composing and arranging music as well as listening to, analyzing, and evaluating musical experiences. Scheduled activities are required including concerts, assemblies, festivals/contests, school-sponsored events, and community activities during the school day, evening or weekend. Students may enroll in the same arts education course for multiple semesters or until approved for the next level by the instructor.