Summary of MSDWT Orchestra Programs

Middle School

​Beginning Orchestra (2 semesters): This year-long beginning string orchestra is for sixth grade students or 7th and 8th graders with no previous instrumental experience. The middle school director must approve each student’s instrument selection prior to enrollment either through one of the elementary school visits or a private meeting. The class concentrates on basic sound production, instrument care, and music-reading skills. At Eastwood and Westlane Middle Schools, the Beginning Orchestra performs in two concerts during the year--a fall concert in November and a spring concert in May. Eastwood also has the Beginning Orchestra perform at the spring Parent Curriculum Night in March. At Northview Middle School, there are two concerts - one in December and one in May. These concerts are mandatory;  as orchestra is a performance-based class it is essential that students are at performances. Students also have the opportunity to perform at the ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest at the beginning of February. This is further discussed with students in the fall and is optional.

Intermediate Orchestra (2 semesters): This year-long string orchestra is a non-audition group that is open to both 7th and 8th graders, and any 6th graders with prior experience and director approval. The emphasis is on continued growth of skills learned to further their instrumental skills and look deeper into the structure and context of music. The musical parts become more diversified, which requires greater individual responsibility. Private lessons are encouraged at this level. The Intermediate Orchestras at all middle schools have required performances. At Eastwood, the Intermediate Orchestra has a winter concert in December, a music clinic at a local university at the beginning of March, and a spring concert in May. At Westlane and Northview, the Intermediate Orchestra performs at the Winter Concert in December and Spring Concert in May. Northview also has Intermediate Orchestra participate in ISSMA Organizational Contest in March. These performances are mandatory. Students also have the opportunity to perform at the ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest at the beginning of February. This is further discussed with students in the fall and is optional.

Advanced Orchestra (2 semesters): This year-long string orchestra is an audition based group that is available to both 7th and 8th graders, and advanced 6th graders with prior experience and director approval. Continued growth of skills is expected, as well as an increasing awareness of phrasing, articulation, dynamics, intonation, and balance. The musical parts become more diversified, which requires greater individual responsibility. Private lessons are strongly encouraged at this level. The Advanced Orchestra has several performances throughout the year. These performances are mandatory, except those listed as optional (only a few). Students also have the opportunity to perform at the ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest at the beginning of February. This is further discussed with students in the fall and is optional.

​Westlane Pops Orchestra (2 semesters): At Westlane, a new pops-style string orchestra called Westlane Pops will be open to 7th and 8th grade orchestra students who are interested in playing more styles of music such as rock, pop, Broadway, etc.  Students learn to utilize modern techniques and technology in order to perform in these contemporary styles. Westlane Pops performs at the Mistletoe Festival at the Artsgarden in Circle City Mall during the fall semester and at the school winter and spring concerts.

​

Eastwood String Ensemble (ESE): This is an audition-based orchestra at Eastwood open to 7th and 8th graders. It performs at ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest, in the community, at certain school functions, and in the spring concert.

Northview Chamber Orchestra: All 7th and 8th grade students are welcome to participate in this ensemble which performs in the community and at the spring concert. 

If you have any questions about the middle school orchestra program, contact​

Westlane - 

Ntinyari Miriti

Orchestra Director

nmiriti@msdwt.k12.in.us

(317) 259-5412 ext. 23201

Northview - 

Carolyn Stalcup

Orchestra Director

cstalcup@msdwt.k12.in.us

(317) 259-5421 ext. 22806

Eastwood - 

Jessica Savage

Orchestra Director

jsavage@msdwt.k12.in.us

(317) 259-5401 ext. 21125

High School

The orchestras at North Central High School provide a comprehensive experience and expose students to a wide variety of orchestral literature. The North Central Orchestras consistently earn high marks and are highly regarded throughout the state of Indiana, and nationwide.

North Central High School offers four curricular string orchestras.

If you have any questions about the high school orchestra program, contact​​

​Elliott Lentz

Director of Orchestras

elentz@msdwt.k12.in.us

(317) 259-5301 ext. 45212