Instrumental Music
Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150: 3-6)
All students at Rockbridge Academy in grades K-6 study music as part of the established curriculum. This study comprises music history and theory, as well as singing and reading music. In addition, the following instrumental opportunities are available.
Suzuki Strings
The SUZUKI STRINGS Program is for students in grades 1-6.
This program offers instruction in violin and cello for beginning players. The program is designed to introduce young students to the art of string playing, and no previous experience is necessary. Active parental participation and involvement is strongly encouraged. Our instructors are Suzuki trained and certified.
Suzuki VIOLIN and CELLO classes will meet twice a week for 30 minutes before school.
There is a $500 participation fee.
Click to REGISTER for the SUZUKI STRINGS
Suzuki Strings Program FAQ
Scots Orchestra
The SCOTS Orchestra is a beginning string orchestra for students who play their instrument at a minimum level of Etude in Suzuki Book 1 or comparable.
The Scots is designed to introduce young students to orchestral playing and, through appropriate repertoire, to prepare them for participation in the more advanced Evergreen Orchestra and, ultimately, the Rockbridge Camerata. The Scots is focused on ensemble playing and preparation for performances and is not a substitute for individual instruction. Participation and placement in the Scots Orchestra is by audition with Mrs. Cripe at the beginning of the year.
Students must first register in the Rockbridge Academy Orchestras (RAO) class in order to receive an audition time.
The Scots Orchestra meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:15-8:10 AM.
There is a $450 participation fee.
SCOTS Orchestra audition information and requirements
Click to REGISTER for any of the ROCKBRIDGE ACADEMY ORCHESTRAS
Evergreen Orchestra
The EVERGREEN Orchestra is the dialectic level ensemble for string players. The group will prepare appropriate repertoire and develop collaborative playing skills and musicianship. The Evergreen is focused on ensemble playing and preparation for performances and is not a substitute for individual instruction. Participation and placement in the Evergreen Orchestra is by audition with Mrs. Cripe and the string faculty at the beginning of the year.
Students must first register in the Rockbridge Academy Orchestras (RAO) class in order to receive an audition time.
The Evergreen Orchestra meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:15-8:10 AM.
There is a $450 participation fee.
Concert attire is required for this elective.
EVERGREEN Orchestra audition information and requirements
Click to REGISTER for any of the ROCKBRIDGE ACADEMY ORCHESTRAS
Rockbridge Camerata
The CAMERATA is the premier chamber orchestra at Rockbridge Academy and is designed for advanced string students. This ensemble performs challenging concert repertoire, and is frequently featured at special school events throughout the year. The Camerata is focused on ensemble playing and preparation for performances, and is not a substitute for individual instruction. Participation and placement in the Camerata is by audition with Mrs. Cripe and the string faculty at the beginning of the year.
Students must first register in the Rockbridge Academy Orchestras (RAO) class in order to receive an audition time.
The Camerata meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:15-8:10 AM.
There is a $450 participation fee.
Concert attire is required for this elective.
CAMERATA audition information and requirements
Click to REGISTER for any of the ROCKBRIDGE ACADEMY ORCHESTRAS
Chamber Music
Interested and motivated students in the upper school from the EVERGREEN and CAMERATA orchestras may participate in smaller chamber music groups. These ensembles meet during conference time. Each group receives coaching from the orchestra directors. Students have opportunities to perform at special school event, and have the option to participate in the Anne Arundel County Solo and Ensemble Festival for adjudication and qualification for the State festival.