Stringendo Orchestra Groups
All the orchestras rehearse on Saturdays at the Reformed Church of Poughkeepsie, Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY.
Fall Semester begins in September. Spring Semester begins in January.
Auditions are held in order to correctly place a student in one of the groups below. While mandatory, auditions are very welcoming and we ask the students to come prepared with a piece they are currently working on. (This can be a NYSSMA piece, a piece they are working on with a private teacher, or any piece they feel showcases their current ability level. If students have attended Summer Strings camp, any of those orchestra pieces are fine to use.) We will also ask you to do a little bit of sight reading. Auditions can be scheduled by contacting the office at 845-264-1206 or sending us an email at info@stringendomusic.org
Course Descriptions
Overture — 9:00-11:00 am
An introduction to orchestral techniques through rehearsal and performance. Primary focus will be on learning how to read music and building rehearsal skills.
Prelude — 9:00-11:00 am
An introduction to orchestral techniques through rehearsal and performance. Students will strengthen sight-reading skills and learn to follow basic beat patterns.
Intermezzo — 9:00-11:00 am
The orchestra’s focus will be turned to more complex rhythmic concepts, key signatures, and bowings. This group will experience rhythmic independence and rich harmonic textures.
Mazurka — 9:00-11:00 am
This orchestra will study advancing concepts of tone, intonation and rhythm. A significant focus will be placed on developing ensemble, phrasing and listening skills. Students will be expected to possess developed ensemble and sight-reading skills.
Tarantella — 12:30-2:45 pm
This advanced string orchestra is designed to develop rhythmic independence through exploration of repertoire and musical ideas. This ensemble will work to cultivate a high-quality performance with mature sound, tight ensemble and uniform articulation.
Chaconne* — 12:15-2:45 pm
This orchestra will study works from the standard string orchestra repertoire. Detailed attention will be given to rhythmic independence, development of articulation, precision of intonation and phrasing.
Vivace* — 12:15 – 3:15 pm
This orchestra takes an in-depth look at standard string orchestra repertoire. The group will encounter a wide range of composers with detailed attention to ensemble, phrasing and style.
*Chaconne and Vivace are offered as full-year courses only.