Elementary Strings
Mrs. Allison Craig
Students in grades 4 and 5 who are interested in learning to play a string instrument are invited to participate in the Elementary Instrumental Music Program. Beginning in Grade 4, North Hills School District offers intermediate grade-level students the opportunity to learn to perform on one of the following instruments - violin, viola, cello and double bass. Large school-owned instruments such as the Cello and Double Bass are available to interested students.
One music teacher is employed to instruct Grades 4 and 5 students in small-group settings twice per six-day rotation throughout the school year at all four elementary buildings. At the conclusion of the students’ Grade 6 year, they are then able to continue performing on their selected instruments by participating in the middle school orchestra.
Middle School Strings
Mr. Nick Vranesevic & Mrs. Allison Craig
Orchestra 6 - Orchestra 6 is for students who have studied an orchestra instrument in elementary school and also provides an opportunity for students to begin a string instrument for the first time. Basic instrument technique and musical skills will be covered as the students learn to perform a variety of music. Instruction will be differentiated in a manner that will meet the needs of all learners regardless of skill level. The orchestra will also participate in performances throughout the year. Beginning students will meet with the 6th grade orchestra instructor in advance to select their instrument. Some instruments are provided by the district for student use.
Orchestra 7 - Orchestra 7 is for students who have studied an orchestra instrument in elementary school and also provides an opportunity for students to begin a string instrument for the first time. Basic instrument technique and musical skills will be covered as the students learn to perform a variety of music. Instruction will be differentiated in a manner that will meet the needs of all learners regardless of skill level. The orchestra will also participate in performances throughout the year. Beginning students will meet with the middle school orchestra instructor in advance to select their instrument. Some instruments are provided by the district for student use.
Orchestra 8 - Orchestraisanelectivemusicalensemblethatisopentoallstringplayers.Studentswillstudy
variousexercisestobuildtechniqueandmusicianship.Performancematerialwillincludeexcerpts
fromtheclassicalandmodernrepertoire.TheOrchestrawillengageinavarietyofconcerts
throughouttheschoolyear.
Additional Middle School Opportunities
Students in the middle school school strings program have the opportunity to participate in several performing activities both within and outside of North Hills School District.
- PMEA (PA Music Educators Association) District Orchestra festival
- Northern Area Honors Ensemble
- Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra
- Three Rivers Young People's Orchestra
- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Ambassador program
High School Strings
Mr. Nick Vranesevic
String Orchestra - Orchestra is open to all string players and provides many opportunities to study and perform all styles of authentic string orchestra and orchestral literature. Orchestra performs school and community concerts throughout the year. Members participate in numerous Pennsylvania Music Educators Association sponsored festivals; many varied enrichment programs and classes in collaboration with local colleges and universities. Evening rehearsals and performances are a requirement of this course.
Chamber Orchestra - This advanced ensemble is selected by audition and teacher recommendation and focuses on more challenging literature composed for fewer instruments. The Chamber Orchestra performs on all orchestra concerts, at the collage concert, and out in the community. They participate in adjudications, invitationals, and a tour to elementary schools.
Additional High School Opportunities
Rock Orchestra - This unique ensemble brings together string players with rhythm instruments typically found in the jazz band. Strings are played on electric instruments as opposed to the traditional acoustic versions, and repertoire covers a wide range of rock and contemporary styles. The Rock Orchestra was recognized as invited performers at the Pennsylvania School Board Association convention in Hershey, PA in October 2014.
Pit Orchestra - depending on instrumentation and need for the show, string students have the opportunity to play in the pit orchestra for the annual spring musical production. Rehearsals are after school beginning in January and continue through tech week and the 7-night run of the show in the spring.
In addition to playing in the high school orchestra, string players at NHHS have the opportunity to perform at festivals and with ensembles both in and out of the district. A few such ensembles include:
- PMEA Honors, District, Regional and All-State Orchestras
- MENC National Orchestra
- WVU Honors Orchestra
- Strings North Festival
- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Ambassadors program
- Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra
- Three Rivers Young People's Orchestra
- Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Side-by-Side Concert