Instrumental Music

St. Anne’s-Belfield School offers a wide array of instrumental classes and performance opportunities. From 5th grade and up, there is something for everyone!

5th Grade Strings

All 5th grade students participate in weekly classes in the violin, viola, cello, or bass and perform with the orchestra for three school concerts and a music competition trip in the spring. Beginning performance and music reading skills are introduced as the students study traditional classical, folk, and improvisational repertoire.

Haydn Orchestra (6th Grade Strings)

The Haydn Orchestra is the 6th grade string orchestra open to any student, including students who have not previously played an instrument. Students study skills, scales, and solo and ensemble music including traditional classical, folk, and jazz in classes that meet three times per week. The Haydn Orchestra performs for four school concerts, a music festival trip in the spring, and occasional special focus concerts, such as the bi-annual STABFAB Pops Concert.

Mozart Orchestra (7th-8th Grade Strings)

The Mozart Orchestra is the 7th and 8th grade string orchestra open to any student who has played an instrument for at least one school year. Students study beginning through intermediate level repertoire including solo, ensemble, and chamber music in classes that meet three times per week. The Mozart Orchestra performs for four school concerts, a music festival trip in the spring, the bi-annual STABFAB Pops Concert, and occasional chapel services or off campus events.

Stravinsky Strings

The Stravinsky Strings course is for advancing middle school level performers in the orchestra wishing to pursue their music at a higher level of commitment and accomplishment. Participation requires permission of the instructor. The focus of the course is on solo performance through traditional classical, chamber, and orchestral music. The Stravinsky Strings members rehearse during exploratory and outside of the regular orchestra class period. Members perform regularly throughout the school year for middle and upper school concerts, chapel services, and music festivals. The Stravinsky Strings players also perform as part of the symphonic Philharmonic Orchestra and audition for honors orchestras throughout the region.

Counterpoints (Select 9th-12 Grade String Ensemble)

“Counterpoints” is an honors course for advanced level string players. The ensemble studies and performs standard string orchestra repertoire and progressive jazz music. All members play as part of the larger ensemble, and are also required to work on solo and small group pieces. “Counterpoints” performs and travels often throughout the year, representing the school at local, state, and regional music festivals and competitions. Enrollment is limited and by audition only.

Philharmonic Orchestra (Strings and Percussion grades 9-12, Winds/Brass grades 7-12)

The Philharmonic Orchestra studies and performs a variety of repertoire, including classical and contemporary pieces, throughout the year. Students will advance their technical facility and ensemble skills through in-depth study of stylistic performance practices. The Philharmonic Orchestra performs an average of four concerts during the year, and competes in local competitions and festivals. In addition to rehearsing ensemble pieces, there is ample opportunity for students to study solo and chamber music under the direction of the orchestra conductor and visiting faculty.