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

2021-2022 WMS 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. 3):

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)
Please note, all Whitewater MS Orchestra students will START with String Basics Book 1
***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.

TBA Fall Fundraiser for WMS Orchestra Boosters
TBA CMS Honors practices 4:30-5:30 PM (to be announced as dates are available)
Fri. Nov. 19 WMS Orchestra to Southern Christmas Show (7th and 8th required)
Sat. Nov. 20 CMS Honors Orchestra Auditions (open to participating students)
Tue. Dec. 14 WMS Winter Orchestra Concert (all grades required)
TBA Chocolate Orchestra Fundraiser (for Carowinds trip participants)
Spring TBA Fundraiser for WMS Orchestra Boosters
Thur. Jan. 20 CMS Honors Orchestra rehearsal (to students who made the group)
Fri.-Sat. Feb. 4-5 CMS Honors Orchestra Clinic (to students who made the group)
Fri. May 6 WMS Orchestra to CAROWINDS (open to participating students)
Thur. May 12 WMS Spring Orchestra concert (all grades required)
Occasionally, we travel to Charlotte Symphony concerts. Dates and details TBA when they become available!

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 a shortened excerpt.

2021-2022 Petite Bouree by Angleo de Prosse

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

Cello

Bass