Ensemble Descriptions

Concert Orchestra

Description: The Concert Orchestra currently serves as a foundational-level ensemble. No experience is necessary!

Musicians in this ensemble have the option to play violin, viola, cello, bass, or guitar. While it is highly encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music shop (Mi Vida Strings, Music and Arts, Flesher Hinton, and Golden Music are frequent vendors), WHS has some instruments to use for a $25 yearly rental fee.

Instruction will focus on proper instrument positioning and posture, sound production, reading music notation, music creation, and musical performance. Students in the Concert Orchestra will perform at two after-school public concerts each year as well as at least three during-school performances. Students should plan to practice at least one hour a week outside of class time. For students who cannot practice at home, the WHS ALPHA time can be requested to assist with weekly personal practice. Students wishing to pursue music as a career path should plan for two hours a day of personal practice time and should consider taking private lessons. Please contact Mr. Linert, if you need recommendations for local private teachers.  

Requirements:

• None! Beginners are welcome! Come be a part of our pack!

 

Sinfonia Orchestra

Description: The Sinfonia Orchestra currently serves as our intermediate-level orchestral ensemble.

This ensemble consists of students at Westminster High School who typically have at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, bass, or guitar.

While it is highly encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music shop (Mi Vida Strings, Music and Arts, Flesher Hinton, and Golden Music are frequent vendors), WHS has some instruments to use for a $25 yearly rental fee.

Instruction will focus on proper instrument positioning and posture, sound production, reading music notation, music creation, and musical performance. Students in the Sinfonia Orchestra will perform at least three after-school public concerts each year as well as at least five during-school performances. Students should plan to practice at least one hour a week outside of class time. For students who cannot practice at home, the WHS ALPHA time can be requested to assist with weekly personal practice. Students wishing to pursue music as a career path should plan for two hours a day of personal practice time and should consider taking private lessons. Please contact Mr. Linert, if you need recommendations for local private teachers.  

Requirements:

• Current WPS Students: Musicians will join the Sinfonia Orchestra through director recommendation.
• Transfer Students: In-person performance assessment, interview, and recommendation from a previous director

Tempesta di Corde Orchestra

Description: The Tempesta di Corde Orchestra currently serves as our upper-level orchestral ensemble. Students graduating from this ensemble have gone on to pursue music at the collegiate level, many with scholarships.

An exemplary Tempesta di Corde Orchestra member has good attendance in all classes and previous concerts, has passing (preferably exemplary) grades in each of his/her classes, is open to suggestions for improvement, is respectful and courteous to other people, seeks out additional performance opportunities, and is able to be both a team player and a soloist. This ensemble consists of students at Westminster High School who typically have at least three years of experience on their violin, viola, cello, bass, or guitar. Consistent demonstration of professional orchestral rehearsal skills and the above-mentioned expectations are necessary.   

While it is highly encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music shop (Mi Vida Strings, Music and Arts, Flesher Hinton, and Golden Music are frequent vendors), WHS has some instruments to use for a $25 yearly rental fee.

Instruction will focus on proper instrument positioning and posture, sound production, reading music notation, music creation, and musical performance. Students in the Tempesta di Corde Orchestra will perform at least five after-school public concerts each year as well as at least five during-school performances. Students should plan to practice at least one hour a week outside of class time. For students who cannot practice at home, the WHS ALPHA time can be requested to assist with weekly personal practice. Students wishing to pursue music as a career path should plan for two hours a day of personal practice time and should consider taking private lessons. Please contact Mr. Linert, if you need recommendations for local private teachers.  

Requirements:

• Current WPS Students: Musicians will join the Mariachi de las Estrellas through director recommendation.
• Transfer Students: In-person performance assessment, interview, and recommendation from a previous director

Camerata Orchestra

Description: This course meets after school on Mondays from 3:45-6pm with additional events on various other weekdays and weekends.

The curriculum for this ensemble will be based upon the instrumentation of enrolled students, as the students will typically work in small ensembles of 3-8 musicians where they will choose and compose music specifically for the ensemble. This ensemble is most appropriate for students who typically have at least three years of experience on their instrument. 

While it is highly encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music shop (Mi Vida Strings, Music and Arts, Flesher Hinton, and Golden Music are frequent vendors), WHS has some instruments to use for a $25 yearly rental fee.

Instruction will focus on proper instrument positioning and posture, sound production, reading music notation, music creation, and musical performance. Students in the Camerata Orchestra will perform at least six after-school public concerts each year. Students should plan to practice at least one hour a week outside of class time. For students who cannot practice at home, the WHS ALPHA time can be requested to assist with weekly personal practice. Students wishing to pursue music as a career path should plan for two hours a day of personal practice time and should consider taking private lessons. Please contact Mr. Linert, if you need recommendations for local private teachers.  

The students in Camerata Orchestra will also serve as members of the Orchestra Student Council, learning skills in leadership and community development, as well as leading the program at large. 

Requirements:

• Current WPS Students: Musicians will join the Camerata Orchestra through director recommendation.
• A student enrolled in this course should also be enrolled in a during-the-day orchestra or mariachi course.
• Transfer Students: In-person performance assessment, interview, and recommendation from a previous director

  

Advanced Chamber Orchestra

Description: This course meets after school on Mondays from 3:45-6pm with additional events on various other weekdays and weekends.

The curriculum for this ensemble will be based upon the instrumentation of enrolled students, as the students will typically work in small ensembles of 3-8 musicians where they will choose and compose music specifically for the ensemble. This ensemble is most appropriate for students who typically have at least four years of experience on their instrument. 

While it is highly encouraged to rent an instrument from a local music shop (Mi Vida Strings, Music and Arts, Flesher Hinton, and Golden Music are frequent vendors), WHS has some instruments to use for a $25 yearly rental fee.

Instruction will focus on proper instrument positioning and posture, sound production, reading music notation, music creation, and musical performance. Students in the Advanced Chamber Orchestra will perform at least six after-school public concerts each year. Students should plan to practice at least one hour a week outside of class time. For students who cannot practice at home, the WHS ALPHA time can be requested to assist with weekly personal practice. Students wishing to pursue music as a career path should plan for two hours a day of personal practice time and should consider taking private lessons. Please contact Mr. Linert, if you need recommendations for local private teachers.    

The students in the Advanced Chamber Orchestra will also serve as members of the Orchestra Student Council, learning skills in leadership and community development, as well as leading the program at large.   

Requirements:

• Current WPS Students: Musicians will join the Advanced Chamber Orchestra through director recommendation.
• A student enrolled in this course should also be enrolled in a during-the-day orchestra or mariachi course.
• Transfer Students: In-person performance assessment, interview, and recommendation from a previous director