The Fine Arts Center offers a unique approach to string education in the United States. A daily chamber music class is offered to develop individual technical proficiency, rehearsal technique, performance, communication, advanced musicianship, and musical decision-making skills. Students perform several formal public concerts at the school and in the community, and participate in guest master classes.
An advanced technical regimen, solo and chamber music of professional caliber comprise the musical literature of the course. Students participate in a variety of chamber ensembles performing works ranging from the Baroque era to premieres of works by contemporary composers.
Strings Chamber Music Events Calendar:
2009-10 Academic Year
Thursday, October 22 Strings Chamber Music Class Concert
FAC Recital Hall, 7:00 PM
November 20 & 21 Upstate West Region Orchestra
Anderson, SC
Thursday, December 3 Strings Chamber Music Class Concert
FAC Recital Hall, 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 21 Strings Chamber Music Class Concert
FAC Recital Hall, 7:00 PM
February 26 – 28 All-State Orchestra
Greenville, SC
Friday, April 16 Strings Chamber Music Class Concert
FAC Recital Hall, 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 13 Strings Chamber Music Class Concert
FAC Recital Hall, 7:00 PM
Enrollment Guidelines:
Strings training is offered at the Fine Arts Center on two levels: intermediate and advanced. Students audition with prepared pieces, demonstrate sight reading skills, and scale ability. Students on all levels are expected to attend musical performances in the community.
Strings Chamber Music I Honors (481501)
Performance Expectations: By the completion of Level I, the students will have:
1. knowledge of three-octave scales;
2. an understanding of tone production, intonation and phrasing;
3. knowledge of ensemble performance practices;
4. knowledge of the fingerboard in the first four positions; and
5. several works prepared for public performance.
Strings Chamber Music II Honors (481503)
Performance Expectations: By the completion of Level II, a student will have met the objectives of Level I and will have:
1. knowledge of three-octave scales and arpeggios;
2. knowledge of musical style in periods from the Baroque to the 21st century; and
3. an understanding of the chamber music of composers such as Mozart and Haydn.
Strings Chamber Music III Honors (481515)
Performance Expectations: By the completion of Level III, a student will have met all previous objectives and:
1. will have knowledge of all positions of the fingerboard; and
2. study string quartets from the classical, romantic, and modern periods.
Strings Chamber Music IV Honors (481527)
Performance Expectations: By the completion of Level IV, a student will continue with the work in Level III at a more advanced level, as well as preparation of several solo pieces.
Fine Arts Center Music Gallery
