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Conductor: Dr. Bugaj

Rehearsals: Sundays, 2:15-4:00

Tuition: $550 per year

Location: Housewright Music Building (HMU) at FSU’s College of Music

 

Chamber Orchestra develops stronger technique, musical independence, and richer ensemble sound—preparing students for the challenges of full symphony repertoire.

 

What Teachers Should Know

Level: ASTA 3–3.5 | FOA CS | ASTACAP 4–5 | Suzuki Books 4–5.

• Fluent reading in:

  • Violins/Violas: 1st & 3rd positions.

  • Cellos: 1st, 3rd, & 4th positions.

  • Basses: ½, 1st–4th positions.

• Reads rhythms from whole to sixteenth notes, including dotted, triplet, and syncopated patterns (ASTA: Expanding rhythmic vocabulary).

• Intonation accuracy within ~30 cents in slow to moderate tempos.

• Vibrato is used consistently for tone in basic to intermediate ranges.

• Dynamic variety and tone color changes are achieved through bow placement, bow weight, and vibrato (ASTA: Tone color exploration).

• Responds to conductor cues for tempo shifts, fermatas, and style changes.

• Prepares orchestral parts for performance readiness with guidance from sectional coaches.

 

What Parents Should Know

Students in the Chamber Orchestra can:

• Play music that changes speed, style, and mood quickly.

• Make their sound richer using different techniques.

• Keep up with faster, more complex songs.

• Come to rehearsal ready to play their part with the group.

• Many have 2–3 years of experience, but placement is based on skill readiness, not lesson count.