Kavita Shankar, Conductor

Junior String Ensemble (JSE) will learn basic ensemble skills, such as playing polyphonic music, adjusting ensemble balance, watching a conductor, and teamwork.  Music literacy skills will be strengthened through regular sight reading and games.

Rehearsals

Saturdays, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
in-person

Audition Requirements

Students who are new to CMCB may wish to audition to determine which ensemble is the best fit for them. We want to make the audition process as stress-free and welcoming as possible.  If you have an audition video from districts or another orchestra audition, please feel free to use that video in lieu of the specific requirements listed.  We can reach out to you if we need more playing examples.  Our goal is to simply hear a good representation of your current playing level and find the placement that will work best for you.

Violin:

• One Octave Scale (G Major, D Major, A Major) Optional Two Octave Scale (G Major)
• One piece from the beginning repertoire – Piece should be at a Suzuki Book 1 level and should show that the student is comfortable with the use of the bow and can play legato and staccato strokes. The student should be comfortable in first position and should demonstrate use of all fingers.

Viola:

• One Octave Scale (C Major, G Major, D Major) Optional Two Octave Scale (C Major)
• One piece from the beginning repertoire – Piece should be at a Suzuki Book 1 level and should show that the student is comfortable with the use of the bow and can play legato and staccato strokes. The student should be comfortable in first position and should demonstrate use of all fingers.

Cello:

• One Octave Scale (C Major, G Major, D Major) Optional Two Octave Scale (C Major)
• One piece from the beginning repertoire – Piece should be at a Suzuki Book 1 level and should show that the student is comfortable with the use of the bow and can play legato and staccato strokes. The student should be comfortable in first position and should demonstrate use of all fingers.

Goals and Expectations

1. Ensemble playing: listening to others, both within and across sections; adjusting pitches and learning to tune to the ensemble; beginnings of dynamics as an ensemble; starting to develop strong sense of individual rhythm within the group; learning to voice and balance within and across the ensemble; learning to follow conductor’s beat patterns.
2. Individual techniques: working on aspects of intonation, rhythm, bowing, and good posture according to individual ability; applying concepts from private lessons into rehearsals
3. Practicing: practicing JSE music on a regular basis during the week; working to retain key concepts and instructions from rehearsal to rehearsal; taking music to private lessons

Evaluations

There are no evaluations for JSE, though students are expected to be able to play their parts individually for the group regularly with the support of their peers.

Responsibilities

• Arrive on time: Everyone in the ensemble has a task to help get the rehearsal started promptly. To be early is to be on time – to be on time is to be late!
• Arrive prepared: It is crucial to the success of the ensemble that everyone practices their parts individually, outside of Saturday rehearsals. Bring your music and a pencil to each rehearsal- don’t assume your stand partner will bring the music!
• Ask Questions! If there is anything that you don’t understand about the music we’re playing, its better to ask right away, either before, during or after the rehearsal. Asking questions is a necessary part of the learning process!