James Island Middle and Fort Johnson Middle
The middle school string orchestra program on James Island continues student achievement on the violin, viola, cello, and bass. Throughout the middle school years, string students become more advanced in their musical pursuits and become prepared for the high school orchestra level of performance.
6th Grade Strings:
Strings students in 6th Grade build on the skills developed in the 5th grade. Students are introduced to beginning orchestral literature as well as working on technique through the method book Essential Elements Book II. A computer program, SmartMusic, is also used in class and outside of class to assess playing skills but also to make home practice more fun! Students have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. They include a 6th grade joint concert with 6th grade band, two holiday concerts, two spring concerts as well as two combined concerts with JICHS Orchestra. (The “Spooktacular” and fundraiser/recruiting concerts.)
7th Grade Strings:
Strings students in 7th Grade develop a greater knowledge of orchestral literature by playing a wide variety of styles including Baroque, Classical, Celtic and Pop Music. Students complete Essential Elements Book II and are introduced to advanced techniques such as shifting and vibrato. Students have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. They include two holiday concerts, two spring concerts as well as two combined concerts with the JICHS Orchestra. (The “Spooktacular” and the fundraiser/recruiting concerts.) Students also participate in two judged events, concert festival and solo and ensemble festival.
8th Grade Strings:
Strings students in 8th Grade continue to develop a greater knowledge of orchestral literature by playing a wide variety of styles including Baroque, Classical, Celtic and Pop Music. Students concentrate on advancing technique so that they will be prepared for the high school level by the end of the year. Students have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. They include two holiday concerts, two spring concerts as well as two combined concerts with the JICHS Orchestra. (The “Spooktacular” and the fundraiser/recruiting concerts.) Students also participate in two judged events, concert festival and solo and ensemble festival. In addition, 8th grade students play for special events such as the Academic Awards Banquet.
