All WKSA orchestras and classes meet on Saturday mornings in FHSU's Malloy Hall. All orchestras will have at least one performance a semester in the FHSU Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Students are auditioned at the beginning of each year, and are placed according to ability and Academy-developed Placement Guidelines into one of four groups. Students have the opportunity to re-audition to move to a different orchestra if desired. Please note: all WKSA students are required to participate in their school's orchestra program, if available.
Conductor: Matthew Means
This group features the finest student musicians in the region. It serves as an example to the other WKSA orchestras, and is responsible for preparing and performing string orchestra literature at the highest level. Weekly rehearsals also include performance/master class sessions and workshops addressing specific string playing aspects (performance anxiety, posture, shifting, vibrato, etc.) In addition to semester performances, the Advance Orchestra presents concerts at area schools and other venues for promoting the Academy. In addition, some semesters the Advance Orchestra may incorporate wind and brass players to perform symphonic works.
This group features the finest student musicians in the region. It serves as an example to the other WKSA orchestras, and is responsible for preparing and performing string orchestra literature at the highest level. Weekly rehearsals also include performance/master class sessions and workshops addressing specific string playing aspects (performance anxiety, posture, shifting, vibrato, etc.) In addition to semester performances, the Advance Orchestra presents concerts at area schools and other venues for promoting the Academy. In addition, some semesters the Advance Orchestra may incorporate wind and brass players to perform symphonic works.
Conductor: Shawn Demuth
The Intermediate Orchestra is a mid to upper-level orchestra which takes on high school level pieces. The orchestra exposes students to more advanced techniques, such as shifting and vibrato. Students learn to sight read better, and begin to play with more musicality and expression.
The Intermediate Orchestra is a mid to upper-level orchestra which takes on high school level pieces. The orchestra exposes students to more advanced techniques, such as shifting and vibrato. Students learn to sight read better, and begin to play with more musicality and expression.
Conductors: Alex Heisler and Leslie Watson
The Beginning Orchestra is for students who already know how to hold their instruments and have some knowledge of note reading. They will be working on how to follow a conductor and play in an ensemble including listening and watching skills. Repertoire will include several pieces of varying styles. Additional classroom activities will include performances by the orchestra members, technical exercises, rhythm drills, and guest performances.
The Beginning Orchestra is for students who already know how to hold their instruments and have some knowledge of note reading. They will be working on how to follow a conductor and play in an ensemble including listening and watching skills. Repertoire will include several pieces of varying styles. Additional classroom activities will include performances by the orchestra members, technical exercises, rhythm drills, and guest performances.
Conductors: Cody Custer and Sara Mann
This group is for students who have never played an instrument, or whose exposure is at an introductory level. Instruction will focus on proper instrument position and bow hold, familiarity with instrument parts, rudimentary note reading and theory, and learning simple songs. These Pre-Orchestra classes are divided into two sections - one for violins and violas, and one for cellos. In addition, depending on enrollment and need, Pre-Orchestra classes may divide into two levels, with the second level accommodating students who have mastered the basic instrument hold, but still need work on note reading to make the jump to Beginner Orchestra
This group is for students who have never played an instrument, or whose exposure is at an introductory level. Instruction will focus on proper instrument position and bow hold, familiarity with instrument parts, rudimentary note reading and theory, and learning simple songs. These Pre-Orchestra classes are divided into two sections - one for violins and violas, and one for cellos. In addition, depending on enrollment and need, Pre-Orchestra classes may divide into two levels, with the second level accommodating students who have mastered the basic instrument hold, but still need work on note reading to make the jump to Beginner Orchestra