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

Assessments: 

Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

1st 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

2nd Quarter- 

  • Furthering bowing technique

  • D string pitches in written notation

  • Ensemble playing 

  • Winter concert etiquette and preparation

3rd 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

4th 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

Last Updated:

September, 2023