The Penndale String Orchestra

North Penn School District

STRINGS @ PENNDALE

Mr. David Pimentel, Director

7th & 8th Grade String Orchestra

   The String Orchestra is a performance class that consists of students in the 7th and 8th grades who are proficient at various levels of string playing. The class’ primary instruments include violin, viola, cello, string bass, with additional opportunities for students to play piano, harp and guitar. Students work on mastering advanced string skills such as playing in third position and special effects like tremolo and trilling. String Orchestra provides the opportunity for string players to advance their playing abilities through ensemble experience, individual and group lessons, and concert performances. Also, string players are given the opportunity to play in consort with members of the school bands and choruses. The string orchestra only performs during the winter and spring concerts, and the NPSD strings festival in February.

   The class meets 2 days per cycle, and individual students have an additional pull-out lesson. No audition is required, and renting/owning an instrument is strongly recommended. 

9th Grade String Orchestra

   9th Grade String Orchestra also meets 2 days per cycle. The Orchestra Majors meet 4 days per cycle. Individual students have an additional pull-out lesson. No audition is required, and renting/owning an instrument is strongly recommended.

   9th Grade Orchestra members also have the opportunity to participate in numerous additional concerts such as the NJHS induction ceremonies and Barnes & Noble nights.

VIRTUOSI, the Penndale Advanced String Orchestra

  The purpose of this ensemble is to provide a unique and high quality performance opportunity for student musicians in the North Penn School District. Through preparation and performance of advanced works for soloists with a supporting ensemble, this ensemble will create a well-deserved performance venue for our most talented students. 

  Interested solo performers can gain membership through personal interviews. Interested primary ensemble membership is also through personal interviews. To be clear, all interested students of all instruments are eligible to join; however, it is critical to understand that if their performing skill is not up to the ability to play the accompaniment pieces, additional roles will be created for them in order to allow them to participate as part of this ensemble endeavor. Tasks, such as management, ensemble leadership team, repertoire managers, service and activity leaders: All these are just some of the potential roles that students can have if they are unable to play at the performance level of the supporting ensemble. Mr. Pimentel will reach out to the district music faculty for promotion and recruitment of interested student members.

  Prerequisites: In keeping with the standards for membership in all NP performance ensembles: Any students that wish to participate in this endeavor are required to enroll or be a current part of any of the school performing ensembles- band, chorus, orchestra, or exploratory music. Interested performing students are also strongly encouraged to be a part of any advanced select ensembles at the elementary metal and school levels to which they attend.