Orchestra

Welcome to the ACE Orchestra webpage!!

Be sure to visit the orchestra Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/acemaconorchestra
Hear the orchestra in action on YouTube: Large Group Performance Evaluation 2024
Questions? E-mail Ms. Smith at [email protected]

The ACE Orchestra is a place for all students at ACE to learn violin, viola, cello and bass in a group setting.

GRAMMAR SCHOOL ORCHESTRA: All 4th and 5th grade grammar students are introduced to violin as part of the classical model curriculum. The main goal during grammar violin is to nurture a love and appreciation for music. Curriculum utilized includes Suzuki pieces, American fiddle tunes, and the Vamoosh series.

JUNIOR HIGH ORCHESTRA: Junior high students who are interested in continuing violin or exploring viola, cello, or bass are encouraged to enroll in orchestra as sixth graders. Seventh and eighth-grade students may enroll in beginning or intermediate to continue learning advanced technique on their instruments. No prior experience is needed on a stringed instrument to enroll in orchestra as a junior high school student.

HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA: High School students can continue to develop their instrumental skills by enrolling in several levels of orchestra classes. In high school, three years of orchestra meets the requirement for a career pathway.

OPPORTUNITIES:
At ACE, students are given multiple opportunities throughout the year to practice and perform in our community and on field trips. This past year our junior high and high school students performed four concerts here at ACE and also performed at Large Group Performance Evaluation and received all superior ratings. In past years, the orchestra has performed at Wesleyan College, GCSU in Milledgeville, and at The Grand Opera House. Other opportunities throughout the year include honor and regional orchestras through the Georgia Music Educator’s Association and local performances at community events.

REQUIREMENTS:
Successful orchestra students and parents understand that orchestra is a commitment on the part of each orchestra member. Practicing is expected for success. Orchestra students should purchase or rent an instrument if they are financially able. School instruments are available for those with financial need. Ms. Smith requests that parents contact her before renting or purchasing an instrument in order to discuss instrument quality and rental options.

ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR:

Ms. Smith began teaching at ACE in 2018 and currently teaches 4th grade through 12th grade orchestra. During her time at ACE, the orchestra received grants from both The Foundation for Online and Blended Learning which allowed students in orchestra to compose their own pieces, a grant from the Linda Harriet Lane Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia to perform with professional musicians at Wesleyan College, and a Bright Ideas grant to allow students to perform at The Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon. Under her leadership, the orchestras at ACE have received superior ratings at the Georgia Music Educators Association’s Large Group Performance Evaluation. Students from ACE have also been selected to participate in GMEA All-State Orchestra. Prior to teaching at ACE, Ms. Smith taught in Bibb County for ten years. She has presented at the Georgia Music Educators Association’s annual conference and also currently serves as the District 11 GMEA Orchestra Division chair. Ms. Smith has completed her level 1 and 2 certifications for World Music Drumming and has also completed Level 1 Suzuki Training for violin. Ms. Smith enjoys playing violin locally at special events and weddings.

Past Orchestra Videos:
Spring 2024 Concert
LGPE 2023
LGPE 2022