Ensemble Class – Saturday Conservatory of Music

ENSEMBLE CLASSES

Saturday Conservatory of Music has ten ensembles. Our five orchestras, two string ensembles, two choirs, and jazz ensemble encompass different emphases and different skill levels to challenge each one of our students. Evaluations are conducted to place students in the proper ensemble.

ENSEMBLES

8:30 String Orchestra

This orchestra is designated for brand new string instrument students, with an emphasis on violin, viola, cello, and bass techniques. As they learn how to handle and play their instrument, they also learn to follow a conductor and play with other musicians.

8:30 Wind Orchestra

This orchestra is designated for musicians without any previous orchestra experience, with an emphasis on woodwind, brass, and percussion techniques.

9:30 String Orchestra

This orchestra is designated for musicians with previous orchestra experience or with higher musical skills. The literature performed is more challenging than music for the Beginning Orchestras and requires more musical background and skills.

9:30 Wind Orchestra

10:30 Orchestra

This orchestra is designated for musicians with higher musical skills and significant orchestra experience. The literature performed is challenging and requires an advanced level of proficiency.

Guitar Ensemble

Guitar ensemble is a course focused on group performance. Much like other ensembles, students will play an assigned part for each piece of music aimed at SCM concert performance. Students should be comfortable reading open position, as well as understand TABS and basic rhythms.

The course will further develop student guitar skills while exploring new timbres, techniques and rhythmic motives.

Choir

Choir is a popular choice of students who are studying non-orchestral instruments, such as guitar, piano, voice, and ukulele. Participation in a choir gives students the opportunity to develop the skills needed to follow a conductor and perform with others. We have two choirs, divided by age: the Children’s Choir for children under 10 years old, and the SCM Choir for 10 and older.

String Ensemble

For string students wanting more experience playing in a smaller ensemble, we have a string ensemble for our intermediate and advanced level students.

Rock Band

In this dynamic and hands-on class, students will learn the essentials of playing in a rock band ensemble. They will explore the basics of electric guitar, electric bass, drums, and keyboard within a group setting, focusing on key areas, such as ensemble playing, song structure; rhythm and timing, chord progressions, performance techniques and riffs, and collaboration and communication.

Accepted students must have their own electric guitar, electric bass, and practice amps for home practice. SCM will provide the drum set for class, but students serious about playing drums should have a drum set at home for practice.

Let's Make Music!

The Saturday Conservatory of Music (SCM) was established to provide affordable, quality music instruction to children in the greater Los Angeles area, targeting children from low income families and the school trained musician.

Saturday Conservatory of Music