A few notes to the 8th grade students and their parents:
♫ As you decide what high school will be the best fit for your, keep in mind that not all schools have an orchestra program. Please consider making the chance to continue playing in orchestra one of the factors that you weigh as you go through the selection process.
♫ Some schools have audition requirements to be placed in their orchestra program. Once you have made your selection for high school, please be in touch with the music department to find out if there is an audition, what the requirements are and when you can schedule your audition.
♫ While not required, it is recommended that 8th grade students perform a NYSSMA solo at the festival in the spring. Typically, the solo festival happens a few weeks before for auditions are scheduled, so it is a great chance to practice performing their song before the actual audition. I will assist students in selecting and preparing their solos. Students can use the same solo for both, so participation in NYSSMA can be used as a “dress rehearsal” for their school audition. (Please click on the "NYSSMA" and "NYSSMA Books" tabs to the left for more information.)
♫ Colleges love to see activities such as a performing ensemble on your applications- they know it means you are a dedicated, hard-working team player. (Some colleges may even offer scholarships to student musicians to play in their orchestras!)
♫ High school can be a lot of fun, especially if you are part of the music program. Many high school music departments go on trips to perform and travel as a group. There are also other ways to get involved with your school music program in addition to orchestra class, such as playing in a chamber group at volunteer events, performing in the pit of the school musical and/or joining a school worship group.
♫ Finally, if you are currently renting an instrument from the St. Martin's inventory, please be aware that your instrument must be returned to St. Martin's at the end of the school year. If you are interested in renting or purchasing your own instrument from an outside source, I would be happy to assist you. (Start by clicking on the "instruments-rental/purchase" table to the left). Additionally, you can contact your high school to find out if they have instruments to rent or not.
♫ Some schools have audition requirements to be placed in their orchestra program. Once you have made your selection for high school, please be in touch with the music department to find out if there is an audition, what the requirements are and when you can schedule your audition.
♫ While not required, it is recommended that 8th grade students perform a NYSSMA solo at the festival in the spring. Typically, the solo festival happens a few weeks before for auditions are scheduled, so it is a great chance to practice performing their song before the actual audition. I will assist students in selecting and preparing their solos. Students can use the same solo for both, so participation in NYSSMA can be used as a “dress rehearsal” for their school audition. (Please click on the "NYSSMA" and "NYSSMA Books" tabs to the left for more information.)
♫ Colleges love to see activities such as a performing ensemble on your applications- they know it means you are a dedicated, hard-working team player. (Some colleges may even offer scholarships to student musicians to play in their orchestras!)
♫ High school can be a lot of fun, especially if you are part of the music program. Many high school music departments go on trips to perform and travel as a group. There are also other ways to get involved with your school music program in addition to orchestra class, such as playing in a chamber group at volunteer events, performing in the pit of the school musical and/or joining a school worship group.
♫ Finally, if you are currently renting an instrument from the St. Martin's inventory, please be aware that your instrument must be returned to St. Martin's at the end of the school year. If you are interested in renting or purchasing your own instrument from an outside source, I would be happy to assist you. (Start by clicking on the "instruments-rental/purchase" table to the left). Additionally, you can contact your high school to find out if they have instruments to rent or not.