Concert Strings
Michelle Carroll, Director

Young, intermediate (Level 4) auditioned string orchestra.
No age restriction, approximately 5th-7th grade with 3-5 years experience.

Requirements: The completion of Bartel Strings, or 3-5 years of private lessons, or the equivalent. Annual audition required. Students must take weekly private lessons from a local teacher or ISM instructor on their instrument.

- Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm.
- Location: Immanuel Church, 2551 Dixie Hwy, Lakeside Park, KY 41017
- Requirements: Enrollment in private lessons with a local teacher and an ISM annual audition.
SEMESTERS:
FALL Semester 2024: September 9 - December 14, 2024 (Registration Opens July 1)
SPRING Semester 2025: January 6 - May 3, 2025 (Registration Opens November 1)
Concert Strings Tuition: $210 per semester / per student.*
*No refunds after the first two weeks of rehearsal
Concert Strings Auditions Requirements:
FALL AUDITIONS: August 18, 24, and 25, 2024 @ Immanuel Church
(For new and returning students)
Click HERE to sign-up for a Fall audition time
SPRING AUDITIONS: Sat. January 4, 2025 @ Immanuel Church
(For new students joining mid-year)
Click HERE to sign-up for a Spring audition time

Questions? Contact ismoffice@immanuel-nky.org.
Concert Strings Auditions Requirements:
1. Scales: (1 or 2 octaves) C, G, D, F, and Bb Major.
2. Prepared work demonstrating the student's abilities. Piano accompaniment not necessary.
3. Total of 4 excerpts as provided (2024-2025), from:
2024-25 Concert Strings Excerpts - Listening Links
Click to VIEW Concert Strings Calendar and all ISM Events & Calendars.
2024-2025 Concert Strings Calendar
2024-2025 Concert Strings Performance Opportunities:
- December Concert – December 14, 2024 @ 1:30 pm Location: Notre Dame Academy, 1699 Hilton Dr, Park Hills, KY 41011
- Community Concert – March 15, 2025 @ TBA -Location: TBA
- Spring Concert – May 3, 2025 - Time: TBA Location: TBA
How do I know when to upgrade to a bigger instrument size? Your orchestra teacher or private teacher will be able to recognize your growth and recommend when it is time to move up a size.
How do I know when to change my strings? Typically, Violin, Viola, and Cello should change their strings once a year. When changing your strings be sure to write the date on the old package so you can refer to it the following year. Bass strings can go longer than the other string instruments. Typically, basses change their strings every 2 years.
How do I know when to re-hair my bow? Typically, All string instruments should re-hair their bow once a year.
How do I know when to stop renting and purchase my own instrument? The biggest indicator is when you move up to a full-size instrument. As students advance, owning a nicer instrument becomes apparent when the repertoire begins to be compromised by the ability of your rental instrument. (Tone, responsiveness, and instrument setup)This typically happens around 9th to 10th grade.
Can I join orchestra in the middle of the year? The answer is Yes. ISM holds auditions every year in January as well. Typically, it is the first Saturday after New Year’s Day.
Do you use a curriculum? YES. For Beethoven Strings, Bartel String Ensemble, and Concert Strings each semester to learn music that brings new challenges, develops rhythmic and note reading skills building on what students prior knowledge to enhance the overall musical experience.
May Homeschool students participate in orchestra, chamber groups, and private lessons? YES! We welcome all students to participate and experience the Immanuel School of Music in all aspects: 6 levels of orchestral opportunities, chamber groups, private lessons, and ISM mentor program.
How often should I expect teacher communication? Orchestra teachers send weekly emails which include practice materials, class reminders, and concert information.
My child completed the year. What’s next? Immanuel School of Music has six levels of orchestras, summers programs, private lessons, and chamber ensemble opportunities. Immanuel School of Music promotes musical growth for all ages.
Students advance to the next level Orchestra after completing each year. Auditions are required when entering Levels 4, 5 or 6 (Concert Strings, YSO, Sinfonia).
My instrument or bow needs a repair, what should I do? First, reach out to your child’s Teacher. All ISM Teachers can quickly assess if they can assist or if the instrument may need to be swapped for a different instrument. Larger repairs are taken care of by Baroque Violin Shop which are covered under the BVS rental program’s free maintenance and replacement coverage.
I would like to continue with orchestra in the Spring. I signed up for the BVS monthly or year rental. Do I still need to complete the Spring Registration Form? YES. Families will need to register & Pay Tuition for each term with ISM. Registration is due prior to the start of the first class.
BVS monthly & yearly instrument rental is directly through Baroque Violin Shop. If you have signed up for rental for the month or year - no further action is needed with BVS. For instrument rental contract questions – contact BVS.
Questions regarding your instrument rental, credit balance, or making an instrument rental payment? Contact Baroque Violin Shop directly.
Does the Orchestra Spring Term cover new material? YES! Our Spring Term covers new material as it is a continuation of the Fall Term. Like an academic class at school, each session builds up itself with new musical skills and the introduction of new songs.
We have a conflict in the Fall and/or Spring. What are my options to continue my child’s music studies at ISM? One option is talk with your teacher and request placement in another class for your Orchestra level if more than one class day is offered.
If your child has a conflict, decides to pause, or discontinue orchestra, but enjoys playing their instrument (or would like to try a new instrument), you may enjoy Private Lessons or a Discovery Package as an option. Summer Session, too, is a great time to continue your child’s musical growth. We are happy to discuss this option with you further should you be interested.
Looking ahead to Summer, what are my options for continuing music after completing Spring Term? Summer Session offers Summer Strings Club. Summer Strings Club is for students who have completed Mozart Strings, Beethoven Strings, Bartel String Ensemble, or 1-3 years of private lessons. No audition is required. Approximately 3rd-6th grade. Fun weekly activities: Orchestra, sectionals, special workshops, and spirit wear contests. Students attend the weeks that work with their family schedule.
Those who completed Concert Strings may join Summer YSO. In addition, students may wish to consider Chamber Players, a Summer Auditioned small Ensemble group matched with a teacher for small group instruction.
Email Assistance: I am not receiving weekly emails - whom do I contact? ismoffice@immanuel-nky.org.
Registration & Dreamclass Assistance: I need assistance with registration and/or Dreamclass- whom should I contact? ismoffice@immanuel-nky.org
What are the Mission & Goals of orchestra levels 2, 3, 4? Our goal is to teach your child(ren) music and string instruments and important values including individual discipline, creativity and teamwork.
Teachers provide various forms of instruction to best serve the students as a group The importance of home practice to ensure growth outside of orchestra is given weekly as they receive focused homework goals.
Students become developed players with the ability to fluidly read music, perform as an Ensemble, are given performance opportunities and mature musically each year.
When ready to advance beyond levels 2,3,& 4- students may then audition for levels 5 and 6. These top-two auditioned levels participate and travel as an Orchestra with the World Strides Competition yearly.
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