Huntsville City Schools Magnet Programs
at Lee High School
"Magnets Attract!"

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Orchestra

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Orchestra offers a four-year magnet program combining the practical knowledge of musical theory, string technique, and keyboard with performance experience. In addition, serious woodwind and percussion students are also welcomed. Students will have many opportunities to perform in support of the other performing arts programs, as well as many school and community activities. Some specialized instruction will be conducted in blocks by adjunct faculty from the ranks of professional performers and teachers.

The program will consist of two one-hour periods per day. One period will be devoted to orchestra ensemble rehearsal, the other devoted towards individual practice time and sectional rehearsals. Music to be studied will range from the Baroque period to the present day. Advanced students will be given opportunities to perform solos with the school orchestra at concerts and to provide music for special programs within the school and community.

The orchestral division of the magnet program in performing arts will offer a program of musical development for students at all stages of accomplishment. The program will offer sequential levels in technique, fundamentals of music theory, basic keyboarding for the piano, sight-singing and ear-training, solo repertoire, ensemble repertoire, and music literature and history.

FIRST YEAR
The orchestral student will be able to read basic sight-reading examples, as well as orchestral and solo repertoire at a medium level of difficulty. The orchestral student will become familiar with the piano keyboard, will study the fundamentals of music notation, and will be able to discern major and minor keys and key signatures. The student will have participated in a large group, as well as smaller ensembles, and will have performed a solo for adjudication

SECOND YEAR
The orchestral student will be able to read string and orchestral repertoire at a more advanced level of difficulty, play a melody line on the keyboard, and understand basic chord structure. The student will also be able to demonstrate proper technique for his/her instrument and will have participated in a large group, as well as ensembles and solo performances.

THIRD YEAR
The third year orchestral student will study more advanced repertoire, including a concerto. The student should be able to recognize different styles and periods of music literature and be proficient in melodic and rhythmic dictation. Having performed with large groups and at least one ensemble, the student will perform in a recital and will compete in festivals and competitions.

FOURTH YEAR
The orchestral student in the fourth year will understand transposition, four-part harmony, and will be able to read a composition at sight at an advanced level of difficulty. The student will demonstrate a general development of good technique, as well as an expanded repertoire in both ensemble and solo material. Having performed with large groups and at least one ensemble, the student will perform in a recital and will compete in festivals and competitions.

Each year, each student who is enrolled in the Orchestral Magnet Program will be required to audition for community youth orchestras as well as the Alabama All-State Orchestra.