Grade 5 Orchestra

Avon Lake City Schools

Curriculum Framework

Grade 5 Orchestra

Course Overview:

Grade 5 orchestra is structured to help young, beginning musicians develop new skills, talents, and techniques on orchestral instruments. Orchestra engages students in a wide variety of music appropriate for their beginning skill sets and helps develop their prior musical knowledge from elementary school. Students will have the opportunity to perform twice a year for the community, grow socially with new peers from different elementary schools, and grow academically by learning new skills and written musical notation.

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company):

Essential Elements Book 1, Micheal Allen/Robert Gillespie/Pamela Tellejohn Hayes

Online/Supplemental Materials:

  • Orchestra Music Grade Level .5-1 for beginning orchestra
  • The Rhythm Randomizer
  • Sight Reading Factory

Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

First Quarter

  • Instrument Set Up & Care
  • Instrument Hold & Playing Posture
  • Open string identification
  • Pizzicato
  • Basic Bowing Fundamentals (appropriate bow hold for each instrument)
  • D string pitches
    • Correct left hand position and instrument specific fingerings

Second Quarter

  • Furthering bowing technique
  • D string pitches in written notation
  • Ensemble playing
  • Winter concert etiquette and preparation

Third Quarter

  • Furthering bowing technique from quarter 2
  • A string pitches (done with both pizzicato and bow)
  • A string pitches in written notation
  • Playing in new styles of music (done with both pizzicato and bow)
  • Introduction D major key signature and scale
  • Music terminology
  • Exposure to famous orchestral pieces and professional performances

Fourth Quarter

  • Furthering bowing technique from quarter 3
  • Accidentals and enharmonic pitches on the D string
  • G string pitches (done with both pizzicato and bow)
  • G string pitches in written notation
  • Spring concert etiquette and preparation
  • Self reflection on overall growth as a musician
  • Appropriate practicing habits and material

Updated: September, 2023