Message from the Director
Dear Future LHS Students and Parents:
I am very excited to meet each of you and welcome you to the Lafayette High School Orchestra Family. I would like to give you a look into some information regarding the orchestra department’s vision so that you feel welcome and excited about your new experience.
Our vision of the Lafayette HS Orchestra is to develop in each student an appreciation of the art of music as a part of general culture; to teach techniques of musical expression; to discover and develop the talents of students in all styles of music; to develop knowledge and skills in listening, reading and performing. Quality music literature is the curriculum of music education. We must strive to bring our students to a level of group and individual proficiency so that they can experience original works by the great composers of the past and present. The opportunities for a student to be a part of this recreation of intent are an important development of a student’s worldly understanding.
Along with a worldly understanding, music offers experiences that promote training of the heart and head. Self-confidence, teamwork, development of fine motor skills, and the use of spatial-temporal reasoning produces a well-rounded student atoned to a strong work ethic. An education using the musical arts develops high levels of achievement in reading, reading comprehension, and language developments. Opportunities for student leadership within a performance-based organization provides real-world experience in problem solving, inter- and intra-personal relationships, role model leadership, decision-making, critical thinking, and depending on others.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or check out our orchestra website. We would love to know about any recitals or other performances that include our orchestra family! Thank you and I’m looking forward to a great year!
Yours in music education,
Phil Kent
Director of the Lafayette Orchestra Dept.
[email protected]
I am very excited to meet each of you and welcome you to the Lafayette High School Orchestra Family. I would like to give you a look into some information regarding the orchestra department’s vision so that you feel welcome and excited about your new experience.
Our vision of the Lafayette HS Orchestra is to develop in each student an appreciation of the art of music as a part of general culture; to teach techniques of musical expression; to discover and develop the talents of students in all styles of music; to develop knowledge and skills in listening, reading and performing. Quality music literature is the curriculum of music education. We must strive to bring our students to a level of group and individual proficiency so that they can experience original works by the great composers of the past and present. The opportunities for a student to be a part of this recreation of intent are an important development of a student’s worldly understanding.
Along with a worldly understanding, music offers experiences that promote training of the heart and head. Self-confidence, teamwork, development of fine motor skills, and the use of spatial-temporal reasoning produces a well-rounded student atoned to a strong work ethic. An education using the musical arts develops high levels of achievement in reading, reading comprehension, and language developments. Opportunities for student leadership within a performance-based organization provides real-world experience in problem solving, inter- and intra-personal relationships, role model leadership, decision-making, critical thinking, and depending on others.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or check out our orchestra website. We would love to know about any recitals or other performances that include our orchestra family! Thank you and I’m looking forward to a great year!
Yours in music education,
Phil Kent
Director of the Lafayette Orchestra Dept.
[email protected]
Lafayette Orchestra Level Summaries
1- String Orchestra
Level one is for students who require review of basic skills and are looking for an orchestra experience at the normal pace. In this class we work on intonation in multiple keys, shifting and reading in III position (extensions III, IV positions for cello) and foundations of vibrato. Students have a working knowledge of correct right and left hand shape and are working to refine their posture and technique. No audition is required but students must have been enrolled in middle school orchestra or have the recommendation of an orchestra teacher for participation.
Level one is for students who require review of basic skills and are looking for an orchestra experience at the normal pace. In this class we work on intonation in multiple keys, shifting and reading in III position (extensions III, IV positions for cello) and foundations of vibrato. Students have a working knowledge of correct right and left hand shape and are working to refine their posture and technique. No audition is required but students must have been enrolled in middle school orchestra or have the recommendation of an orchestra teacher for participation.
2- Concert Orchestra
Level two is for students ready to move into more advanced musical concepts, have a desire to play music that will require regular at home practice, and have a home practice routine. In this class we work in higher positions and more complex key signatures. Students at this level are already comfortable in III position with a basic understanding of II, IV, and V positions. Students should have a relaxed left hand position with a developing or polished vibrato and flexibility in right wrist and fingers allowing for more advanced bow techniques such as spiccato and legato. The level 2 audition is required for consideration in this ensemble.
Level two is for students ready to move into more advanced musical concepts, have a desire to play music that will require regular at home practice, and have a home practice routine. In this class we work in higher positions and more complex key signatures. Students at this level are already comfortable in III position with a basic understanding of II, IV, and V positions. Students should have a relaxed left hand position with a developing or polished vibrato and flexibility in right wrist and fingers allowing for more advanced bow techniques such as spiccato and legato. The level 2 audition is required for consideration in this ensemble.
3- Advanced Symphonic Orchestra
Level three is for the advanced musician, typically someone who is or will be in CKYO’s top two orchestras. In this orchestra we read in all positions and in all keys. These students display versatility in left and right hand technique needed to perform many styles of music with developing musical sensitivity. After school rehearsals and sectionals will be required. The level 3 audition is required for consideration in this ensemble.
Level three is for the advanced musician, typically someone who is or will be in CKYO’s top two orchestras. In this orchestra we read in all positions and in all keys. These students display versatility in left and right hand technique needed to perform many styles of music with developing musical sensitivity. After school rehearsals and sectionals will be required. The level 3 audition is required for consideration in this ensemble.
4- Advanced Chamber Orchestra
Level four is for the VERY advanced student with fluid technique and mastery of all keys and positions. These students are looking to express and enhance their musicality through chamber rehearsal and performance. These students have an established practice routine allowing for in class rehearsals, not individual practice. Most of these students are All-State level musicians who take private lessons. Requirements include participation in KMEA Solo & Ensemble and KMEA All State Orchestra auditions. Also, after school rehearsals and sectionals will be required. The level 4 audition is required for consideration in this ensemble.
Level four is for the VERY advanced student with fluid technique and mastery of all keys and positions. These students are looking to express and enhance their musicality through chamber rehearsal and performance. These students have an established practice routine allowing for in class rehearsals, not individual practice. Most of these students are All-State level musicians who take private lessons. Requirements include participation in KMEA Solo & Ensemble and KMEA All State Orchestra auditions. Also, after school rehearsals and sectionals will be required. The level 4 audition is required for consideration in this ensemble.