Vandeventer Middle School Orchestra
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Vandeventer Middle School Orchestras
Accolades
UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, "Sweepstakes" Award (Highest Possible Award)
2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013
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The Vandeventer Varsity and Non-Varsity Orchestras received the "Sweepstakes" Award, the highest-scoring possible. This is continuing the tradition of high ratings at the UIL Contest and various other evaluations and competitions.
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All-Region Auditions Success - For seven years consecutively, Vandeventer Orchestra has placed in the top three schools in the entire Region. In the past five years, Vandeventer Orchestra has placed in the top two schools.
All-Region auditions are a highly competitive process in which students prepare advanced music and compete against students from Frisco ISD, Mckinney ISD, and Prosper ISD to earn a coveted ranking in a cross-district orchestra, or All-Region Orchestra. Students prepare for this audition through many avenues of practice: weeks of campus-based assessments, mock auditions by playing for both directors and their peers, before and after school tutoring, master classes, and additional music instruction with their private lesson teachers. We are thankful to have many talented and dedicated musicians on our campus!
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Mark of Excellence Results - September 2018
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The Vandeventer Chamber Orchestra was selected as a Mark of Excellence/National Orchestra Honors Project Commended Winner by The Foundation for Music Education. We are so proud of our young musicians and the hard work that resulted in this National Award! Many of the students in the recording were 8th Graders, now at Liberty High School and Centennial High School. We strive to continue this legacy of excellence here at Vandeventer and represent our campus, community, and district, Go Viking Orchestra!!!
TMEA Honor Orchestra Results - June 2016
In Spring 2016, the VMS Chamber Orchestra submitted its recording to the TMEA MS Honor Orchestra Competition. There were 23 orchestra submissions, and we are pleased and ecstatic that Vandeventer was ranked #8 in the state for this contest!!! This is a huge honor to be ranked in the "Top 10" among such elite orchestra programs! - Way to go Vikings!
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Mark of Excellence Results - September 2016
The VMS Orchestra submitted a recording for the Mark of Excellence National Orchestra Honors Competition.
We received notice that Vandeventer was one of the finalists for the 2016 National competition. Many of the students in the recording are now at Liberty HS and Centennial HS.
Beginning Orchestra
The Beginning Orchestra program at VMS begins in the 6th grade with instruction in violin, viola, cello, bass, & harp. These students learn in a homogeneous class setting – focusing on their particular instrument pedagogy. We have combined rehearsals to work to develop ensemble skills and play together. Comprised of mostly 6th graders and beginning-level players, these classes start from scratch with everything including posture & position – how to hold the instrument and bow; music literacy – how to read music; intonation and tone production – how to play in tune with the best sound. We also will learn the history behind the music we play, and much more. These classes meet daily and focus on establishing and developing basic musical and performance skills. This orchestra will have four concerts each year. In order to retain the new and intricate skills learned in Beginning Orchestra, students are highly encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument.
Philharmonic Orchestra
The Philharmonic Orchestra is composed of students with one or more years of playing experience, in grades 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. In this orchestra, the students continue their musical development by learning new techniques and faster, more complex rhythms. Students at this level are studying shifting and vibrato, and are committed to improving their skills in the orchestra. The Philharmonic Orchestra will perform four concerts each year. Students may also elect to participate in the All-Region Orchestra, and Solo & Ensemble Contest to further develop their individual musicianship. It is highly encouraged for students in the Philharmonic to take private lessons on their instrument for mastery of technique and skill.
Symphonic Orchestra
The Symphonic Orchestra is comprised of advanced string players at VMS. This class will work toward competency in all major two-octave scales, complex rhythms, vibrato, shifting, and sight-reading skills. These students show commitment to their orchestra by attending all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts throughout the year while maintaining a disciplined practice routine. This group is comprised of mostly 7th and 8th graders, admitted through audition. The main purpose is to be prepared for high school orchestra, so the expectation of practice and work ethic will be high. Students will learn advanced techniques as well as perform increasingly difficult music as the year progresses. These members will also participate in the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Competition in March. Symphonic students are strongly encouraged to try out for All-Region Orchestra and Solo & Ensemble Contest. It is highly encouraged for all Symphonic students to take private lessons on their instruments.
Advanced Symphonic Orchestra
The Advanced Symphonic Orchestra is comprised of the most advanced string players at VMS. Students show competency in all major two and three-octave scales, complex rhythms, vibrato, shifting, and sight-reading ability. These students show commitment to their orchestra by attending all scheduled rehearsals, sectionals, and concerts throughout the year while maintaining a disciplined practice routine. Students will be challenged with upper-level literature that will refine their musicianship skills and overall playing technique. These members will participate in the Elementary tours in December, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Competition in March, as well as potential festivals and competitions throughout the year. Advanced Symphonic students will be expected to try out for All-Region Orchestra, perform at the Solo & Ensemble Contest, and attend extra-musical instruction for any recordings and competitions. It is an expectation that all students in Advanced Symphonic take private lessons on their instruments.
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