The Nighthawk Orchestras
The orchestra program at Nelson Middle School includes four string orchestras and a full orchestra together with beginner classes for violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. These orchestras provide the appropriate levels of encouragement, challenge and inspiration for all string players, regardless of the current level of a student’s achievement.
The Chamber Orchestra is the premier string ensemble at Nelson Middle School. This ensemble represents the orchestra program for many events in the school and community and participates in the University Interscholastic League Music Festival as a ‘varsity’ orchestra. Required knowledge and skills for participation in this ensemble include strong sightreading skills; shifting to higher positions with two-octave scales in C, G, D, A, F & B-flat; détaché, staccato, hooked, slur, louré, and spiccato bowing; knowledge of music terminology; vibrato; a strong work ethic and high level of responsibility; and a passion for music and music-making! Private lessons are highly encouraged.
The Symphonic Orchestra is the second string ensemble at Nelson Middle School. This ensemble also represents the orchestra program for many events in the school and community and participates in the University Interscholastic League Music Festival as a ‘non-varsity’ orchestra. Required knowledge and skills for participation in this ensemble include strong sightreading skills; shifting to higher positions with two-octave scales in C, G, D, A, F & B-flat; détaché, staccato, hooked, slur, and developing louré, and spiccato bowing; knowledge of music terminology; developing vibrato; a strong work ethic and high level of responsibility; and a passion for music and music-making! Private lessons are highly encouraged.
The Philharmonic Orchestra is the third string ensemble at Nelson Middle School. This ensemble performs on a series of concerts at Nelson Middle School throughout the year. Required knowledge and skills for participation in this ensemble include strong sightreading skills; shifting to higher positions with two-octave scales in C, G & D; détaché, staccato, hooked, and slur bowing; knowledge of music terminology; developing vibrato; a strong work ethic and high level of responsibility; and a passion for music and music-making! Private lessons are highly encouraged.
The Sinfonia Orchestra is the fourth string ensemble at Nelson Middle School. This ensemble performs on a series of concerts at Nelson Middle School throughout the year. Required knowledge and skills for participation in this ensemble include rhythm reading skills; shifting to higher positions with two-octave scales in G & D; détaché, staccato, hooked, and slur bowing; knowledge of music terminology; and a strong work ethic and high level of responsibility. Private lessons are highly encouraged.
The Beginner Orchestra combines all students in beginning string classes. These students meet daily in beginning classes for violins, violas, cellos, and basses. They then combine in morning rehearsals before school to practice and develop the necessary ensemble skills to play together as an orchestra. The Beginner Orchestra performs on a series of concerts throughout the school year.
The Nighthawk Symphony Orchestra is a full orchestra consisting of woodwinds, brass, and percussion from the band, combined with strings from Chamber and/or Symphonic orchestras. This ensemble typically rehearses outside of the normal class periods and performs on concerts and for school ceremonies. This ensemble provides a unique experience rarely encountered at the middle school level.
The orchestra program at Nelson Middle School includes four string orchestras and a full orchestra together with beginner classes for violin, viola, cello, double bass and harp. These orchestras provide the appropriate levels of encouragement, challenge and inspiration for all string players, regardless of the current level of a student’s achievement.
The Chamber Orchestra is the premier string ensemble at Nelson Middle School. This ensemble represents the orchestra program for many events in the school and community and participates in the University Interscholastic League Music Festival as a ‘varsity’ orchestra. Required knowledge and skills for participation in this ensemble include strong sightreading skills; shifting to higher positions with two-octave scales in C, G, D, A, F & B-flat; détaché, staccato, hooked, slur, louré, and spiccato bowing; knowledge of music terminology; vibrato; a strong work ethic and high level of responsibility; and a passion for music and music-making! Private lessons are highly encouraged.
The Symphonic Orchestra is the second string ensemble at Nelson Middle School. This ensemble also represents the orchestra program for many events in the school and community and participates in the University Interscholastic League Music Festival as a ‘non-varsity’ orchestra. Required knowledge and skills for participation in this ensemble include strong sightreading skills; shifting to higher positions with two-octave scales in C, G, D, A, F & B-flat; détaché, staccato, hooked, slur, and developing louré, and spiccato bowing; knowledge of music terminology; developing vibrato; a strong work ethic and high level of responsibility; and a passion for music and music-making! Private lessons are highly encouraged.
The Philharmonic Orchestra is the third string ensemble at Nelson Middle School. This ensemble performs on a series of concerts at Nelson Middle School throughout the year. Required knowledge and skills for participation in this ensemble include strong sightreading skills; shifting to higher positions with two-octave scales in C, G & D; détaché, staccato, hooked, and slur bowing; knowledge of music terminology; developing vibrato; a strong work ethic and high level of responsibility; and a passion for music and music-making! Private lessons are highly encouraged.
The Sinfonia Orchestra is the fourth string ensemble at Nelson Middle School. This ensemble performs on a series of concerts at Nelson Middle School throughout the year. Required knowledge and skills for participation in this ensemble include rhythm reading skills; shifting to higher positions with two-octave scales in G & D; détaché, staccato, hooked, and slur bowing; knowledge of music terminology; and a strong work ethic and high level of responsibility. Private lessons are highly encouraged.
The Beginner Orchestra combines all students in beginning string classes. These students meet daily in beginning classes for violins, violas, cellos, and basses. They then combine in morning rehearsals before school to practice and develop the necessary ensemble skills to play together as an orchestra. The Beginner Orchestra performs on a series of concerts throughout the school year.
The Nighthawk Symphony Orchestra is a full orchestra consisting of woodwinds, brass, and percussion from the band, combined with strings from Chamber and/or Symphonic orchestras. This ensemble typically rehearses outside of the normal class periods and performs on concerts and for school ceremonies. This ensemble provides a unique experience rarely encountered at the middle school level.