The Orchestra Program is offered for academic credit during the school day schedule starting in the 3rd grade. Beginning Orchestra is the place for first time instrumentalists to learn their new instruments and the fundamentals of rhythm and reading music. Intermediate Orchestra starts in the Junior HS years and leads to the Advanced Ensemble groups in High School.
Elementary Orchestra
Rockford Lutheran students may begin exploring their orchestra instruments as early as 3rd grade by participating in weekly classes and group lessons designed to work specifically on technical and ensemble skills. Students learn to read music, play their instruments, and develop their musicality while playing in a large group setting. Orchestra students perform at the Christmas Concert and Spring Concert held at the Upper Campus.
Junior High and High School Orchestra
Our orchestra students continue their musical education with daily junior high and high school classes. Students continue to develop their instrumental techniques, music reading ability, ensemble skills, and musicianship through regular hands-on instruction, optional private lessons, as well as regular performances on campus and throughout the Rockford Community.
If your student is entering Junior High without prior experience with an orchestra instrument, Rockford Lutheran offers Beginning Orchestra --designed especially for beginning musicians. In this unique course, students are encouraged to explore multiple instruments as they grow in their technical skills and musical literacy. Ideally, students progress from this welcoming course and join our orchestra ensemble.
Competitions
Our band students have opportunities to perform at Solo & Ensemble as well as IHSA and IGSMA large-group contest. Students regularly perform around the community at area churches, nursing homes, schools, and take trips to compete at Six Flags- Great America. Rockford Lutheran prides itself on our decorated history within these competitions.
Additional Musical Opportunities
Tri-M Music Honor Society - The Tri-M® Music Honor Society is the national music honor society for high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Music students at Rockford Lutheran may apply for membership in Tri-M beginning in 10th grade.
Conductor/Director
Mrs. Lauren Viel - Elementary Orchestra, Junior High Orchestra, High School Orchestra
Mrs. Viel is a graduate of the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, where she earned her Bachelor of Music with an Emphasis in Pedagogy. She is Suzuki Method certified through Book 7 in Violin and has taught Suzuki and traditional lessons for over 20 years. Mrs. Viel has performed all over the United States in various settings and has contributed to recordings in a variety of genres (including the Giving Tree Band, Blind Reflexx, Jeff Krause's single "Stay" and the Tokyo Project). She freelances in the area and performs regularly with the Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra.