Orchestra FAQ

1) What instruments are offered in orchestra

Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

2) Do we have to rent or buy an instrument

Nope! All instruments are provided by Castillero. If you choose cello or bass, we even give you a home instrument that stays home for the year.

3) Do I have to be able to read music?

Nope! We will teach you all the basics - reading music, instrument care and performing on your instrument.

4) What if I play piano? Do you have pianos in orchestra?

Nope! But, if you can already read music - great!!! That will really help you in beginning orchestra.

5) Do I get to choose which instrument I play?

Yes! You will learn to read music, be a part in building our class culture and community, and get to choose which instrument you like the sound of.

6) How many levels of orchestra are there?

Four - Beginning (Ionian), Indigo, Avant, and Chamber

7) Do I have to audition?

The beginning level is open to everyone! If you took Beginning Orchestra, you automatically get into Indigo - otherwise, you must audition. Avant and Chamber are by audition only. For more information about levels and audition requirements, please see the Orchestra Levels and Audition Info page.

8) Is playing a string instrument hard?

Doing anything well takes effort. I will make every moment of learning fun, because learning is fun. Together, we will help you be your best!

9) Do I have to practice?

Like any class, there is an expectation of time spent getting better. For some classes, it's homework; for orchestra, it's practicing every night for 15-20 minutes at lower levels, more at higher levels. The more you practice, the more you'll learn, and the more music you'll get. And then you'll get excited and practice more, and then learn more, and then get more music. And then you practice more, and... you get the idea 😃

10) Are there lots of students in orchestra?

Yes!! We typically have over 300 students! It's a great place to make friends and feel like you belong to a community. Wherever you walk on campus, you will see your friends in orchestra!

11) I've heard some groups go on trips - does orchestra?

Yes! Our upper level groups sometimes record at Skywalker Ranch (movie studio in Marin), and the yearly tour to Disney and clinic in LA is often the highlight for most students. We record with Disney artists and perform on their stages for the general public.

12) Does each grade have a class?

Nope! We have mixed grades at all levels, which is great for two reasons. One, you get placed in the correct level for your ability, not your age. And two, you get to make friends with 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders. It really helps to feel comfortable when you know a bunch of 8^th graders, and it keeps the 8^th graders connected to what it feels like to be knew at school.

13) Do most schools have orchestra?

Sadly, no. We are very lucky to have orchestra at Castillero Middle School, to have the ability to give instruments to the students, AND to have a string specialist teaching the class. Often, one music teacher will have to teach band, orchestra and choir, but at Castillero, there is a specialist for each group. Mr. Krijnen has his Master's degree in Cello Performance and conducts the Cambrian Symphony so he teaches what he knows - orchestra!