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, and most recently a grant from the Linda Harriet Lane Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia.  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 the GMEA All-State Orchestra.

Prior to teaching at ACE, Ms. Smith taught at Howard Middle School from 2010 until 2018.  While at Howard, Ms. Smith established a strong orchestra program that routinely received superior ratings at LGPE.  In 2015, Ms. Smith received Race-To-The-Top merit pay for her students’ growth and progress.  In 2018, the Howard Middle School Orchestra premiered the piece “Mr Anderson’s Apple Pie,” which was commissioned by the Peyton Anderson Foundation in honor of Peyton Anderson.

 Prior to teaching at Howard, Ms. Smith taught at Westside High School and Miller Middle School in Bibb County.  Ms. Smith received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Indiana Wesleyan University, in Marion, Indiana, and a Master of Music Education from Georgia College and State University.  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.

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 three concerts.  The first concert took place in Porter Auditorium on the campus of Wesleyan College.   The orchestra also performed in February and May at ACE.  In February the orchestra performed at Walt Disney World, and in March attended LGPE at Howard High School.  Other opportunities throughout the year include honor and regional orchestras through GMEA and local performances at churches and community events.

REQUIREMENTS:

Successful orchestra students and parents understand that orchestra is a commitment on the part of each orchestra member.  Orchestra students will need to purchase or rent an instrument.   A limited number of 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.  All students are expected to pay orchestra dues and acquire rosin, a cleaning cloth, and the appropriate method book for their ensemble.  ACE utilized Essential Elements for Strings and Habits of a Successful Musician in class.  Cello and bass students will need to purchase an endpin stop and violin and viola students, a shoulder rest.

Questions?   E-mail Ms. Smith at [email protected]

Beginning Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-3cSUJi64c
Intermediate Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVlWLhKUxq8
High School Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NZ8ETnYq-E

Be sure to visit the orchestra Facebook page at:   https://www.facebook.com/acemaconorchestra