Rockbridge Academy is pleased to announce the

2011 STUDENT MUSIC COMPETITION

Rockbridge Academy will be holding a competition on February 12, 2011 for musicians in the student body grades 7-12.  Each category winner will receive the honor of performing at one of the Rockbridge Benefit Concerts, taking place March 25 & 26.  In addition, a scholarship of $100 will be awarded to each named winner from the concert proceeds.

There will be two categories of competition: solo and chamber music.  The solo category includes pianists, instrumentalists and vocalists.  Chamber music groups can be comprised of two members of the same instrument (i.e. piano four-hands), or three or more instruments in any combination. Students may apply to compete in both the solo and chamber music categories. Individuals may compete in more than one chamber music group.

To compete, all students must submit an application by January 12, 2011. These forms are available to download by clicking on the link at the end of this section, or may be obtained from Mrs. Cripe and/or Mrs. Horst.  The time of your audition will be given to you no later than February 5, 2011. Auditions will be held at the Rock. 

Requirements for pianists and instrumentalists:  Any movement or work found in the classical repertoire ranging from 3-8 minutes. Memorization is mandatory for all entries in the solo category.  Instrumentalists must bring their own accompanist.

Requirements for chamber music groups:  Any movement or work found in the classical repertoire ranging from 3-8 minutes.  Chamber music groups may perform with music.  Each performer must bring his own music stand.

Requirements for vocalists:  Songs may be selected from the classical repertoire.  A set of 3-4 songs, or a single piece between 3-8 minutes in length, may be chosen from the suggested composers.  A set of songs must be from the same composer. Songs may be done in other languages, but must be well coached and clearly communicated.  All singers must bring their own accompanist, or chamber players if a piece with chamber accompaniment is selected.  All songs must be memorized.

All nominated students must bring to the competition the original and one copy of the piece they are to perform for use by the jury panel. All copies will be destroyed immediately after the competition.  Accompanists must perform from an original part. Included within your music should be an indication of the 3-8 minute selection you will be performing.

The judges for the competition will be drawn from musicians outside Rockbridge Academy.  All judgments are final.

Click here to download the audition forms.

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM
The Rockbridge Academy Instrumental Music Program is open to students in grades one through twelve. The program is directed by Irma Cripe, a professional cellist, experienced music educator and SAA certified Suzuki Instructor.

The Instrumental Music Program began in 2006 with the fledgling Rockbridge Academy Orchestra comprised of students already experienced in their instruments. In 2007 group lessons were introduced for beginning violins and cellos. Summer Music Camps were added in 2008 to help group lesson students keep sharp during the summer months. In 2009 the program expanded again with the addition of the Scots Orchestra, a string orchestra for early to intermediate string players, as well as Strings Summer Serenade, a summer camp program for all string musicians.

ROCKBRIDGE ACADEMY ORCHESTRA
The Rockbridge Academy Orchestra is for intermediate and advanced players of any orchestral instrument. Participation is by audition only. Where group lessons are the grammar of instrument study, the Rockbridge Academy Orchestra is the rhetoric. The focus is on the performance of the whole and not on instruction of the individual musician. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue private study in their instrument while participating with the Rockbridge Academy Orchestra.

The Rockbridge Academy Orchestra performs twice each year at the school’s Christmas and Spring Concerts. Selected students are also placed in small chamber ensembles for performance and competition.

The Rockbridge Academy Orchestra meets twice each week from 7:20 to 8:20 in the morning. Students are responsible for completing all make-up work in accordance with the Rockbridge Academy Parent/Student Handbook.

THE SCOTS ORCHESTRA
The Scots Orchestra is a string orchestra for early to intermediate string players. Participation in the orchestra is subject to general audition. The Scots Orchestra is a place of instruction, focused specifically on string instruments, preparing students for participation in the Rockbridge Academy Orchestra. At this level of study, a large group lesson cannot replace private study in developing the student’s skills. Students are strongly encouraged to seek private instruction while participating with the Scots Orchestra.

The Scots Orchestra will have performance opportunities at various times during the school year, including lunch-time concerts, small ensemble presentations, and a Spring String Concert.

The Scots Orchestra will meet twice a week from 7:20 to 8:20 in the morning. Students are responsible for completing all make-up work in accordance with the Rockbridge Academy Parent/Student Handbook.

GROUP LESSONS
Suzuki Method group lessons are available to students in grades one to three. Students may choose to study either the violin or the cello and will be divided into Level 1 (beginner) and Level 2 (advanced beginner). Class size is generally five to ten students.

Participants in group lessons will perform in the Spring String Concert, and Level 2 students will also have opportunities to play in smaller ensembles throughout the year.

Group lessons meet two times per week for half an hour, or a total of one hour per week. Parents are encouraged to attend group lessons and observe the instruction in order to assist their children with practice at home.

Group lesson meeting times occur during the school day and students are responsible for completing all make-up work in accordance with the Rockbridge Academy Parent/Student Handbook.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
REGISTRATION & FEES
2010-2011

Registration for the Rockbridge Academy Orchestra, the Scots Orchestra, and Group Lessons begins on May 1st of the previous school year. Students who register by May 20th receive a 10% discount. Registration forms are available in the school office and can be received via email by contacting the school office. Completed forms should be returned to the school office.

Group Lessons ................................. $250 per year
The Scots Orchestra ....................... $225 per year
Rockbridge Academy
Orchestra ......................................... $125 per year

Summer Strings Serenade ............... $100 per week

Program fees may be paid in one lump sum at the beginning of the school year, in two payments due on September 15 and January 15, or monthly if the family is already participating in the Smart Tuition Payment Plan. Summer Strings Serenade fees are due upon registration for the camp.