Elementary Honors Orchestra
Are you ready for an intense music-making experience?
The honors orchestra gathers together advanced orchestral string students from elementary schools in Higley Unified School District to rehearse and perform music. We play music at a middle or high school level; members are expected to learn and practice their parts on their own, so that they are ready for group rehearsals.
Membership & auditions
Membership is by audition. Auditions will be in December - sign up for auditions at https://forms.gle/KE7kJrs4XLt8CjA89 . Participating students must also be active participants in sixth or fifth-grade string orchestra classes at their elementary school.
Auditions consist of a solo followed by a brief coaching session, much like a performance at solo & ensemble festival. See attached audition music - Menuet for violin, viola or cello; Les Bossus for bass.
Tip: It’s not enough just to know the notes – how you play them matters! Musical expression is key. Pay attention to...
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bowings
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intonation
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note length and beat
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(for cello/bass) positions and fingerings.
Audition music:
Rehearsals
Honors orchestra rehearses on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00pm-5:40pm at Chaparral Elementary School (3380 E Frye Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295). Rehearsals for the 2027 season start January 6th and conclude May 12th or earlier, depending on performance dates. Parents are responsible for making transportation arrangements for their child.
Performances
The ensemble performs several times in the spring – both at Higley schools and out in the community. Performance dates are selected by the membership. Each member is expected to attend each rehearsal and each performance (within reason).
