Contact: Robert Katz, Director | 703.846.8964

There are five different orchestra classes at Kilmer ranging from the beginning/remedial level to highly advanced. There is a place for everyone, regardless your experience! Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the award-winning orchestras at Kilmer Middle School. 

Placement Video Material

These are “NO STRESS” placement videos. Your videos will help Mr. Katz place you in the correct orchestra class that will help you grow as a musician. We have 5 classes: String Ensemble 1 and String Ensemble 2, Concert Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. 

All students can participate in the Kilmer Orchestra program, regardless of level – there is a place for EVERYONE, including absolute beginners!

Video #1: SCALE(S)   

Preliminary Level – for 1st through 3rd year players (String Ensemble 1, String Ensemble 2) – demonstrate what you have learned in strings such as your posture, open string names, bow hold AND/OR Play D Major scale.

Intermediate Level – for 2nd year players and up; knowledge of all notes on all 4 strings required (Concert, String Ensemble) – prepare one scale from the following: C, G, or D major (1 octave).

Advanced Level – for advanced players, including those in private lessons, must have knowledge of 3rd position (Chamber, Symphonic) prepare one major (C, G, D, A or F Major) AND one melodic minor (a, e, b, d or g Melodic Minor). Scales should be at least 2 octaves.

Video #2: PREPARED PIECE - Prepare a portion of a piece of music that demonstrates your highest ability level. See your strings teacher/private teacher for suggestions. This can be a section of a piece of music you are currently playing in your strings class, or a section from a solo piece you are working on outside of school (if you are taking private lessons.)

All students should submit placement videos regardless of level. If a student wishes to change their instrument, please indicate this when completing the Google Form to which placement videos are uploaded.

Anyone who does not submit will be automatically placed in String Ensemble 1 or 2.

Placement Video Upload Instructions

1. Prepare your placement video material to the best of your ability.
2. Create 2 videos:
   1. Video #1 should be a recording of your scale.
   2. Video #2 should be a recording of your prepared piece.
3. Log on to FCPS Google Apps with your student ID and password. Click here to be connected to FCPS Google Apps page: http://www.fcpsschools.net/
4. Complete the Kilmer Orchestra Virtual Audition Form once you have logged in, and upload your videos using this link.
5. Be sure your videos are attached to the form before you submit!

Audition form and video submissions are due by Monday, April 28^th, 2025.

Orchestra Class Descriptions

String Ensemble 1

This class will include students with 0-3 years of playing experience. Students with no prior experience, or those wishing to play a new instrument may be placed in this class and provided with a differentiated instruction to help them catch up to the level of their peers. Both String Ensemble sections will focus on a solid review/the learning of essentials such posture, instrument mechanics, and musicianship. The curriculum will include work on playing with correct posture (instrument and bow); producing a clear and solid tone; understanding key signatures such as C, G, D, A major and A, E, and B minor and how to play these finger patterns in tune; learning/refining knowledge of basic rhythm patterns and how to perform them accurately. This ensemble will perform in 5 concerts throughout the year: Winter (evening), Pre-Assessment (evening), Assessment (evening), Spring Trip (in-class) and Spring Concert (evening.) String Ensemble 1 performs on all concerts alongside String Ensemble 2. 

String Ensemble 2

This class will include students with 1-3 years of playing experience. Both String Ensemble classes will focus on a solid review/the learning of essentials such posture, instrument mechanics, and musicianship. The curriculum will include work on playing with correct posture (instrument and bow); producing a clear and solid tone; understanding key signatures such as C, G, D, A major and A, E, and B minor and how to play these finger patterns in tune; learning/refining knowledge of basic rhythm patterns and how to perform them accurately. Intermediate skills may be introduced, based on student need. This ensemble will perform in 5 concerts throughout the year: Winter (evening), Pre-Assessment (evening), Assessment (evening), Spring Trip (in-class) and Spring Concert (evening.) String Ensemble 2 performs on all concerts along with String Ensemble 1.

Concert Orchestra

Indicated on schedule as “Intermediate Orchestra” is an intermediate level class. This class requires prior strings experience. We will begin the year reinforcing basic one-octave finger patterns of D, G, C, and F major, as well as some minor keys, by introducing more challenging music. Students will learn to tune themselves (if they haven’t done so already) at the start of the school year. Around mid-year, we will move our focus to more advanced techniques such as two-octave scales, vibrato and shifting to higher positions. This ensemble will perform in five concerts throughout the year: Winter (evening), Pre-Assessment (evening), Orchestra Assessment (weekend), Spring Trip (day trip), and Spring Concert (evening).

Chamber Orchestra

Indicated on schedule as “Advanced Orchestra” is an advanced level class. This class requires prior strings experience. Knowledge of basic keys (one octave): C, G, D, A, and F major, as well as D and A minor, is expected. Students in this class will start the year with learning/reinforcement of shifting to higher positions and will learn the second octaves of the scales listed above. Students in this class should be familiar with and able to do vibrato. This class will perform challenging music that incorporates difficult rhythms and advanced techniques. Students in this class are highly encouraged to take private lessons outside of school. This ensemble will perform in five concerts throughout the year: Winter (evening), Pre-Assessment (evening), Orchestra Assessment (weekend), Spring Trip (day trip), and Spring Concert (evening).

Symphonic Orchestra

Indicated on schedule as “Advanced Orchestra” is an advanced level class. This class requires prior strings experience. This is the highest performance level at Kilmer MS. Students in this class are expected to take private lessons outside of school (list of local private teachers is available upon request). Knowledge of all major and minor keys up to 3 sharp/3 flats is expected (at least two octaves). Students should have a firm grasp of higher positions/shifting and vibrato. This ensemble will perform high school level music and requires a great deal of outside practice. Students in this class will be expected to audition for the District 12 Honors Orchestra (information will be sent home in spring). This ensemble will perform in many concerts throughout the year: Winter (evening), Winter (in-school performance), Pre-Assessment (evening), Orchestra Assessment (weekend), Curriculum Night (Feb. evening), Spring Trip (day trip), and Spring Concert (evening).