Strings

The Needham High School String Orchestra is open to all students in grades 9-12. The Chamber Orchestra is our select ensemble chosen by audition in April each year. We perform several concerts throughout the year, travel to regional festivals annually, and tour internationally every four years.

Schedule 2019-2020

The String ensemble has six required concerts this year. Attendance is included in your grade. A String Concert may be added during the week of March 24 - more details soon.

November 19, String Concert with Pollard, NHS auditorium, 7:00
December 6, Winterfest
December 19, Winter Concert with Chorus, NHS auditorium, 7:00
April 3, MICCA, After School, Location TBD
May 7, Spring Concert, NHS, 7:00
May 20, Banquet and Cabaret 6-9, NHS auditorium

We have other opportunities throughout the year for interested students such as the Chamber Concert, NHS musical, and District Festivals by audition.

Attendance Policy
Anticipated absences must be communicated via email in october to be excused. Any missed performance requires completion of a make-up project, however, unexcused absences will not receive a grade.

Concert Attire

Grades

Women:
Women wear a full-length black dress or black slacks and blouse. You may include a colorful accessory. If you wish, you may purchase a dress from Stage Accents. Purchasing a dress is not required, however, finding a full length gown in the department stores can be difficult. Some students prefer to cover their shoulders, and that is also an option you will see.

Men:
Men wear tuxes or a dark suit. White shirt & bow tie.

Students are graded on the following regular assessments

Playing tests - recorded and submitted on Classroom
Concert Attendance
Concert reflections
Homework

Students are also assessed on their class musicianship throughout the term. Musicianship refers to observable class behaviors including:

Preparation
Posture
Bowing

Sectional work
Focus
Class discussions

Housekeeping

All students must have an instrument every day that we meet. We do own a limited number of string instruments and loan them for rehearsals, Cellos are provided for school rehearsals and concerts, although some choose to play their own instrument in concerts. Students are responsible for having an instrument every day.. Lockers are provided for violins and violas,

Students are responsible for maintaining their own instrument. Regularly check your instrument for openings, make sure strings are in good condition, and replace bow hair as needed. All violin and viola players should carry an extra set of strings, especially when we travel. There are many places that provide supplies and repairs. Here are two that I highly recommend.

Johnson String

Horst Kloss

Travels, Tours, and the future.

The String Ensemble travels with the NHS music Department every other year to a regional destination such as New York City, and every fourth year embarks on an international tour. Check the Tours page for information on our upcoming trip to Prague in April 2020.