In Vista’s 3rd grade beginning strings class, students have the exciting opportunity to explore performance on the violin/viola/cello/bass. This class is an introduction to the string family. Third graders will learn the proper violin/viola/cello/bass set-up, bow hold and correct left and right hand technique. Students will learn the different parts of the violin/viola/cello/bass and bow and how to read the treble/alto/bass clef. There will be opportunities for performance. Students will be exposed to the positive energy and confidence building that music brings into their lives through study and performance and the academic benefits that come from learning a musical instrument. Vista will provide an instrument for each student to use at school but please know that, to insure the proper size for each student (especially viola/cello/bass), it is strongly suggested that rental of an instrument be considered for home practice as well, ensuring your child every opportunity to progress at a much faster rate. Research shows that when a child starts out with the “right sized” instrument, they are more likely to continue with that instrument for years to come. This class will prove to be a very real investment in your child’s future in more ways than you can imagine! Welcome to Vista’s String World!

Offers students the opportunity to study violin, viola, cello, and bass in a string ensemble/orchestra setting. Right and left hand technique exercises, including scales, and arpeggios will be taught. Strictly Strings Method Book One, and Suzuki Book One repertoire will be utilized as preparation for fun classical, and popular, string orchestra works. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced. Students: You will learn to work as a team and perform like rock stars! This class will build confidence, and high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance, plus offer a bit of musical history. Performances in school and around the St. George area will be introduced. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included.

Beginning Strings will offer students the opportunity to continue the study of violin, viola, cello, and bass as a chamber orchestra. Right and left hand technique exercises, scales, arpeggios, etudes, Suzuki Book I and II, and the String Calisthenics Method Book will be used in preparation for exciting intermediate to advanced musical selections. These selections will be performed for school concerts and special musical events, as well as music festivals in and around the St. George area. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced as another playing opportunity. The 6th-8th grade string students will also be instructed as a team, on how to lead the orchestra without a conductor! Students: You will learn to work as a finely tuned musical machine, and as a result, perform like champions! This class will build confidence, high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance. We will create responsible and capable musical artists with the potential of helping their parents pay their way through college. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included.

Intermediate Orchestra will accept string candidates who have successfully completed the 6-8 Grade Strings Class and who have auditioned for the music director. Intermediate Strings will offer students the opportunity to continue the study of violin, viola, cello, and bass as a chamber orchestra. Right and left hand technique exercises, scales, arpeggios, etudes, Suzuki Book I and II, and the String Calisthenics Method Book will be used in preparation for exciting intermediate to advanced musical selections. These selections will be performed for school concerts and special musical events, as well as music festivals in and around the St. George area. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced as another playing opportunity. The 6th-9th grade string students will also be instructed as a team, on how to lead the orchestra without a conductor! Students: You will learn to work as a finely tuned musical machine, and as a result, perform like champions! This class will build confidence, high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance. We will create responsible and capable musical artists with the potential of helping their parents pay their way through college. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included.

Will accept string candidates who have successfully completed the 6-8 Grade Strings Class and who have auditioned for the music director. Audition requirements are: One 3 octave major scale and arpeggio, mm-50 per note, non-vibrato, and a two minute solo of student’s choice. Cello and Bass have the option to perform a two octave major scale and arpeggio, mm-50 per note, non-vibrato, and a two minute solo of their choice. There will be an ensemble piece chosen by the director. The candidate will be asked to perform this piece with members of the current Vista Advanced Orchestra. Upon acceptance, the student will study right and left hand technique exercises, scales, arpeggios, and have assignments from the String Calisthenics Method Book as well as Suzuki Book II and III. This will be in preparation for exciting intermediate to advanced musical selections which will be performed for school concerts and special musical events, as well as music festivals in and around the St. George area. The art of “Busking” will also be introduced or continued. There will also be instruction on how to perform without a conductor! Students: You will learn to work as a finely tuned musical machine, enabling your present playing ability to improve above its current level. The goal is to reach a playing level much higher than the average middle school music student is expected to achieve. As a result, you will perform like a champion. In addition, you will build confidence, high self-esteem, leadership, respect, improve memory, nurture creativity, support coordination and balance and become a responsible and capable musician/artist with the potential of helping your parents pay your way through college. Instruction on the care and maintenance of stringed instruments will also be included. Audition preparation techniques will be introduced, combining breathing techniques and memory tips.