Grade 6 Orchestra

Avon Lake City Schools

Curriculum Framework

Grade 6 Orchestra

Course Overview:

Grade 6 orchestra focuses on containing content instruction for students from Grade 5 orchestra. Orchestra engages students in a wide variety of music appropriate for their developing skill sets and exposes students to new notation and other level appropriate musical notation. Students will continue to have the opportunity to perform twice a year for the community, grow socially with new peers, and grow academically by learning new skills and written musical notation.

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company):

  • 2023-2024: Sound Innovations for String Orchestra Book 1, Bob Phillips/Peter Boonshaft/Robert Sheldon
  • 2024-beyond: Essential Elements Book 1, Micheal Allen/Robert Gillespie/Pamela Tellejohn Hayes

Online/Supplemental Materials:

  • Orchestra Music Grade Level 1-1.5 for beginning orchestra
  • The Rhythm Randomizer
  • Sight Reading Factory

Content/Topics/Learning Goals

Subject to Pacing and Schedules

First Quarter

  • Review content from Grade 5 Orchestra
    • Instrument Set Up & Care
    • Instrument Hold & Playing Posture
    • Open string identification
    • Pizzicato
    • Basic Bowing Fundamentals
    • D & A string pitches
    • Music Terminology
    • Playing in the D major scale

Second Quarter

  • Furthering bowing technique
  • Introduction to 4th finger fingerings (violins and violas)
  • Accidentals and enharmonics on the D & A string
  • G string pitches in written notation
    • Also done with both pizzicato and bow
  • E string pitches in written notation (violins only)
    • Also done with both pizzicato and bow
  • Ensemble playing with multi part piece
  • Winter concert etiquette and preparation

Third Quarter

  • Furthering bowing technique from quarter 2
    • Include staccatos and slurs in written notation
  • Continue G string pitches via notation and playing
  • C string pitches in written notation (violas and cellos only)
    • Also done with both pizzicato and bow
  • Playing in new styles of music (done with both pizzicato and bow)
  • Playing with syncopation and more advance rhythms
  • Introduction to A major and G major scales
    • Both pizzicato and bow with written notation
  • Music terminology
  • Exposure to famous orchestral pieces and professional performances

Fourth Quarter

  • Furthering bowing technique from quarter 3
  • Accidentals and enharmonic pitches on the all strings
  • Performing level appropriate repertoire in multiple meters and keys
    • Includes 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, and G major and D major
  • Spring concert etiquette and preparation
  • Self reflection on overall growth as a musician
  • Appropriate practicing habits and material

Updated: September, 2023