Strings Program
Strings Program Director: Mr. James Colpitts
Dr. Annie B. Jamieson Elementary is the home of Canada's largest school string orchestra program. More than 260 of Jamieson's intermediate students learn to play the violin, cello, or bass.
With a reputation for both excellence and fun, Jamieson’s orchestras play repertoire chosen to include a wide variety of styles that appeal to young players. The students play everything from Irish reels to Chinese folk songs, video game music, classical favourites and newly-composed orchestral works. Students develop their musicianship skills through the fun of playing in orchestras, small ensembles and as soloists. Students learn about orchestral techniques and skills, how to follow a conductor, various bowing styles, rhythms, pitch, reading music notation and more.
In addition to the Beginner (grade 4), Intermediate (grade 5), and Senior (grade 6/7) orchestras, the Jamieson Strings Program offers a number of extra-curricular groups for students who desire additional opportunities to play music together. Over the past decade, those extra-curricular groups have included the award-winning Grade 7 and Grade 6 Advanced Orchestras, the Irish Orchestra, Pops Orchestra, Christmas Orchestra, the Gao Shan Qing Chinese Dance Orchestra, and the Old-Time Fiddle Jamboree Orchestra.
No previous experience is necessary. Students in grade 4 can either provide their own instrument or rent a violin from the school for $55 per year. All of the violinists in grades 5 through 7 provide their own violins. Students can rent a cello or a bass from the school in grades 4, 5, 6 and/or 7, for $100 per year. All participating students are requested to pay an annual program fee for sheet music and music supplies.
Please click on the link below to view the strings performances:
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