Classes

Click one of these links to see the schedule of 2011-2012 Elementary Violin classes by DAY OF WEEK, by TEACHER, or by LOCATION.

Click HERE to see the schedule of 2011-2012 Middle and High School classes.

For all our string classes, all locations are open to any students who fit the age and experience requirements. Students do not need to attend that school to enroll in our classes. Private, public, and home-school students are welcome.

Elementary Violin

Locations: Eleven Beaverton elementary schools see above for locations and maps
Not in your school? Contact us.
Age: Grades 1 through 5

  • Level One. Teachers take students through string and bow technique and some early songs, according to the Suzuki method. Ideally, parents and students learn together, and the class works through most of Suzuki Method Book One.
  • Level Two. Every class is unique. Classes sometimes move faster or slower. If your child cannot attend the same location for Level Two or Three which they did for the previous level, we recommend you check with the teachers of both new and old locations to ensure that your child is properly placed.
  • Level Three. This is a continuation of Level Two. Students are generally ready for our Orchestra after Level Three. Students learn at different rates–some students may be ready earlier or later. Check with your teacher to ensure your child’s progress.

Middle and High School Beginning Violin

Location: Cedar Park Middle School, Thursday evenings
Not in your school? Contact us.
Age: Grades 6 through 12
This class mirrors the elementary violin class. No prior strings experience is required. Older students will progress faster than their younger counterparts, and will be ready for Orchestra after one or two years of group violin instruction.

Viola Class

Location: Cedar Park Middle School, Thursday evenings
Not in your school? Contact us.
Age: Grades 4 through 8 who will be enrolled in any level of orchestra.
Viola technique is similar to that for the Violin. This is a great opportunity for violin students already enrolled in any level of Orchestra (Beginning, Intermediate, or Chamber) to try a new instrument. The class meets for 1/2 hour before Orchestra for 10 weeks during the year, and costs only $10! We’re also working on getting low-cost or free instruments for kids who need them.

Beginning Cello

Location: Cedar Park Middle School, Thursday evenings
Age: Grades 4 through 8.
No prior strings experience required. If students have prior experience, please contact the instructor for proper placement.

  • Level One. Teachers take students through string and bow technique for the instrument and some early songs, according to the Suzuki method. Ideally, parents and students learn together, and the class works through most of Suzuki Method Book One.
  • Level Two. By Level Two, students will be spending part of the class playing with the orchestra, and the separate class is more like a sectional rehearsal to reinforce proper technique. Most students will be ready for Orchestra during this second year of instruction.

Beginning String Bass

Location: To Be Announced
Age: Grades 4 through 8.
No prior strings experience required. Orchestra String Bass technique is easily transferable to playing the Electric Bass, for students who are interested in playing in a rock band.

Orchestra

Location: Cedar Park Middle School, Thursday evenings
Age: Grades 4 through 12.
The orchestra is divided into different levels by the faculty, so that students can work on materials at their own level.

  • Beginning Orchestra. An introduction to playing in parts, designed for students who have completed Level Three Elementary Violin, Level Two Middle/High School, or by teacher placement.
  • Intermediate Orchestra. For students who have completed at least one year of Beginning Orchestra, or with teacher placement. Students should be comfortable reading music, playing in parts, and ready for more of a challenge.
  • NEW THIS YEAR: Chamber Orchestra. This is an audition-only group for advanced students who have completed at least one year of Intermediate Orchestra or the equivalent. Auditions will be held in September. Students who do not pass the audition are welcome to join the Intermediate Orchestra.