Ladue Orchestras
Welcome
Welcome to orchestra!
The orchestra program provides students with a variety of opportunities to
develop individual skills and talents through performance oriented experiences and to develop a greater appreciation of music through academic music classes. The efforts and cooperation of the orchestra instructional staff gives students the opportunities and incentives to continue their musical studies from grade four through grade twelve.
String instruction begins in the fourth grade at all four elementary schools on the violin. The fourth grade program meets before school and is an optional program using the modified Suzuki method. Note reading is introduced at the end of the fourth grade and is reinforced in the fifth grade ensembles. In fifth grade, students may switch to viola or cello. Classes meet three days a week for 40 minutes in fifth grade. Enrollment in the elementary program has averaged 200 students.
The middle school orchestra program meets daily in grades 6-8 with an enrollment of 150 students. Students in the sixth grade have detailed instruction in posture, tone production, rhythm, tuning exercises, and orchestral literature. In the seventh and eighth grade orchestra, students continue building their musical skills through orchestral literature and the following method books: “Uni-tunes,” “String Rhythms,” and “Strings Extraordinaire.” Students are strongly encouraged to audition for the All Suburban Honors Orchestra and participate in the St. Louis Solo and Ensemble Festival. The eighth grade orchestra participates in the St. Louis Middle School Large Ensemble Festival.
The high school orchestra program offers performing opportunities in Symphonic and Concert Orchestra with a total enrollment of 90 students. Each group meets separately and performs separate repertoire. Concert Orchestra focuses on building orchestral rehearsal techniques and grade 3-4 orchestral literature. Symphonic Orchestra continues building rehearsal techniques and performs professional level repertoire. Each year the orchestra attends a music festival or is coached by a university ensemble conductor.
Other performing opportunities include the full orchestra experience with the Ladue Symphony Orchestra, Ladue Strolling Strings, Pit Orchestra, Webster Youth Orchestras and the St. Louis Youth Symphony.
Ladue Orchestras
