String Orchestras
Preparatory (Grades 2-4) | Junior (Grades 3-7)
Brookline Music School offers two levels of string orchestra for young string players, the Primo String Orchestra (Foundation String Orchestra) and the Preparatory String Orchestra (Elementary String Orchestra, Advanced Beginner Orchestra). Both are training and performing orchestras that provide dynamic and robust ensemble experience for enthusiastic and motivated young string players. BMS’ String Orchestras are unique in that the conductor is supported and by three orchestra scholars, who assist and coach students throughout each rehearsal. The amount of individual attention and care provided to each student ensures the highest quality experience for each player and outstanding performances for the ensemble.
Tuition is $700 for the full year (32 weeks). $600 per year for students taking private lessons at BMS both terms.
The Preparatory String Orchestra is designed to be the first orchestral experience for beginning string students who demonstrate an ease in playing in first position on all four strings, can proficiently read music at a beginning level, and have modest sight-reading skills appropriate for having completed one to two years of private lessons. Admission to the orchestra is by audition. While orchestral assignments are based on skill, members of this orchestra are usually in grades 2 to 4.
Rehearsals are Fridays from 5 – 6 pm.
Preparatory String Orchestra audition requirements:
– Two contrasting pieces or excerpts
– Two one- or two-octave scales
The Junior String Orchestra is structured for advanced beginner string students who have mastered basic technical aspects of playing the instrument, can read music proficiently, and are comfortable in some upper positions. While having had some previous ensemble experience is strongly recommended, it is not required. Members of this orchestra are likely to be in grade 3 to 6.
Rehearsals are Fridays from 4 – 5 pm.
Junior String Orchestra audition requirements:
– Two contrasting pieces or excerpts
– Two two-octave scales
Students accepted into Brookline Music School’s Preparatory and Junior Orchestras are required to participate in their public or private school string or orchestral program, if available, and be enrolled in private lessons at any community music school, music program, or with an independent teacher.
Meet the Orchestra Director
Peter Jarvis, a native of Canada, began his career as a member of
Museaus, one of Canada’s premier touring string quartets featured numerous times on CBC radio and in recordings. He was principal second violin of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Alberta Chamber Orchestra, appearing annually as violin soloist.
He was Director of the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music, where he taught violin and conducted the Conservatory Chamber Orchestra. He was concertmaster of the Rochester Bach Festival Orchestra and assistant concertmaster of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra.
After moving to Boston in 1994, he appeared with the Cambridge Chamber Players, Andover Chamber Orchestra, and most recently as concertmaster of Symphony by the Sea. He coaches chamber music at summer camps and at the NEC Preparatory School, where his is the conductor of the String Training Orchestras and the String Chamber Orchestra.