7th and 8th Grade Information

7th and 8th Grade Orchestra Handbook

This handbook contains all information related to participating in the Southwest Middle School Orchestra program. Here you'll find information regarding:

Program and behavior expectations
Grading policy
Performance attire
Required materials
Performance calendar

2022-2023 SWMS 7th-8th Orchestra Handbook.pdf

Instrument and equipment purchase

As listed in your handbook, you are required to have the following materials (must have all materials by Friday, Sept. 9):

Instrument (INCLUDING: rosin, extra strings, cleaning cloth, shoulder rest or pad/rock stop/seat strap, instrument case name tag!!)
Black, 1-1½ ” binder
Several sheets of clean paper, notebook or computer is acceptable
10-15 clear page protectors (in binder)
Pencil(s)
Nail clippers
Method Book (purchase at your preferred music supply store or order through Ms. Wright)
7th Grade: String Basics, Book 2 by Terry Shade and Jeremy Woolstenhulme (begin year with SB Book 1 review) $11.00 if ordered through Ms. Wright
8th Grade: String Basics, Book 3 by Terry Shade & Jeremy Woolstenhulme (begin year with SB Book 2 review) $11.00 if ordered through Ms. Wright
All books must be purchased or ordered by Sept. 7.

Calendar

Even though we may experience performing differently, 7th and 8th graders maintain a very active performance calendar. Please pay close attention to which performances are optional and those that are required. Depending on school opening, some performance opportunities may be added.

2022-2023 7th and 8th Grade events (dates are subject to change—times to be announced)

Wed. Sept. 6-20 SWMS Band and Orchestra Cookie Dough Fundraiser (all grades)
TBA October SWMS Orchestra Spirit Night at Jim n’ Nicks Wed.
Nov. 9-23 SWMS Band and Orchestra Go-Play-Save Fundraiser (all grades)
Thur. Nov. 17 Southern Christmas Show (Advanced 8th Grade required field trip-return after school)
Sat. Nov. 19 CMS Honors Orchestra auditions (location TBA)
Tue. Dec. 6 SWMS Orchestra Winter Concert 7:00 PM (all grades required)
Tue. Jan. 17-31 SWMS Butter Braids Fundraiser (all grades)
Thur. Jan. 26 CMS Honors Orchestra rehearsal (@Northwest School of the Arts)
Fri.-Sat. Feb. 3-4 CMS Honors Orchestra clinic (for students who made the group; @Rocky River HS, Mint Hill)
TBA February SWMS Orchestra Spirit Night at Jim n’ Nicks
Sat. Feb. 18 Junior Western Region Orchestra auditions (7th/8th; @ Burns Middle School, Cleveland County)
TBA February SWMS Band and Orchestra World’s Finest Chocolate Fundraiser (all grades)
Wed. Mar. 8-10 March NCMEA Orchestra Music Performance Adjudication (7th and 8th graders required)
Date TBA March Union County Fred Ingold Festival (7th and 8th graders required)
Thur. Apr. 20-22 SWMS Orchestra and Band to GATLINBURG! (Open to 7th and 8th grades)
Fri.-Sat. Apr. 28-29 Junior Western Region Orchestra (for all who made the group; @Mallard Creek HS, Huntersville)
Thur. May 4 SWMS Grade Orchestra Concert 7:00 PM (all grades required)

CMS Honors Audition Preparations Practices:
Tue. Sept. 6 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Sept. 9 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Tue. Sept. 13 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Sept. 16 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Tue. Sept. 20 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Sept. 23 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Tue. Sept. 27 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Sept. 30 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Tue. Oct. 4 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Oct. 7 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Tue. Oct. 11 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Oct. 14 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Tue. Oct. 18 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Oct. 21 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Tue. Oct. 25 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Oct. 28 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Tue. Nov. 1 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Nov. 4 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Wed. Nov. 9 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Mon. Nov. 14 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (optional for participants)
Fri. Nov. 18 3:30-5:00 PM CMS Honors Practice (MANDATORY for auditioners)

CMS All-County Honors Orchestra

Middle School Requirements

All solos are from Solo Time for Strings Book IV. The same solo will be prepared by all instruments. Violin, viola, and cello will prepare the entire solo. Bass will prepare measures from a shortened excerpt.

2022-2023 Sonatina by Breval

2020-2021 Air Varie by de Beriot

2019-2020 Allegro by Mozart

Scales must be performed from memory, but you may use music for the solo.

Violin

Viola