Download the 2009 Middle School Strings brochure here

Conservatory Dates
June 8 - June 20, 2009 (two weeks)
Please check the Concert Info page for performance dates.

Daily Hours
8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Monday through Friday

Tuition
$395 (scholarships are available)

Areas of Study
violin, viola, cello and bass

Ages
Graduating 4th - graduating 8th grades

Department Description
AFA’s innovative curriculum for middle school string players is now in its seventh year serving graduating fourth through graduating eighth grade students. This half-day program, modeled on the established full-day orchestra/chamber music program for high school students, provides students with a thorough and challenging curriculum that culminates with two performances for the Houston community.

String Orchestra
Orchestra emphasizes preparation, concentration, imagination and teamwork as part of the highest level of music making. Once again in 2009, AFA will feature two orchestras (determined on playing level) for graduating 4th through 8th grade students. Placement in either group is made at the sole discretion of the AFA Middle School faculty and orchestral conductor. In both groups, students will take part in daily rehearsals of standard orchestral literature and new works.

Chamber Music
Chamber music students receive daily coaching from AFA’s outstanding faculty of clinicians and performers in quartets, quintets or other combinations in music from the standard repertory. Chamber music workshops emphasize teamwork, active listening skills, communication skills and leadership as students work together to perform in a more individual context. A final concert for the AFA community gives students valuable performance experience in small ensembles.

Musicianship Class
Musicianship class gives students in the middle school program a valuable context and framework for all of the skills they develop while in the program. Featuring sectionals, technique classes, performance practice, music history and theory, students learn how every aspect of music frames their experiences as performers and interpreters of the music they play.