Orchestra
Beginning Orchestra
Orchestra begins in 7th grade
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All students were given an opportunity to try instruments during our Musical Exploration days as 6th graders. All students interested in orchestra as their music elective for 7th grade enroll at the end of the school year before coming to the junior high. We hold a yearly parent meeting which gives detail on our 7th grade orchestra expectations. All 7th grade students are welcome to join the Orchestra program at North Scott! Our 7th Grade Orchestra class meets every day and also includes small group lessons throughout the school year. Students can choose to learn the violin, viola, cello or bass with no previous playing experience. Orchestra students learn a variety of musical techniques and types of music. The 7th grade orchestra performs three concerts during the school year and works on different projects during class! This class also focuses on self motivation, positive thinking, overcoming obstacles and social skills. |
Continuing in 8th Grade
| This is a continuation of 7th grade orchestra. Eighth grade orchestra focuses on new techniques that involve a higher level of playing while still refining skills developed in 7th grade. There are 4 concerts during the school year and orchestra students will learn a variety of new music. This class meets daily and students have individual lessons throughout the year. Opportunities for honor orchestras, Quad City Youth Ensembles and additional performance groups will be available for those who strive to work ahead! |
Junior High Details
- Locker assignments will be posted on the first day of school, violins and violas are to go home each night for practice
- Individual or group lessons are required as part of the orchestra program curriculum.
- Orchestra concert attire: Long black concert dress (supplied by school) or black dress slacks, black button down- collared dress shirt (not supplied). Students must wear black shoes/black socks. Red vest and tie will be supplied for students opting for the shirt and pant option.
- Concert uniforms for the junior high are a supplied red concert shirt and black pants.
Lessons
- taught by Mrs. Linda Dargene and Mr. Ben Lorentzen
Every orchestra student will receive an individual or small group lesson on a 6 day rotation or weekly basis. Lessons will be scheduled as soon as possible once the school year begins. It may be a few weeks before a schedule can be organized and implemented as it takes time to coordinate the complex schedule involving different staff members shared between buildings. Families interested in private lessons may consider contacting any of the teachers at West Music , The Denary or the list on the QCSO Private Lesson Program.
Linda Dargene, Director
Instruments for Students
Sharing of School Cellos and Basses
Violin and viola students use their own instruments and must bring their instruments from home for orchestra lessons and rehearsals. Cello and bass students will use school instruments for rehearsals and lessons, which will be shared instruments. All students should be renting a cello/bass to keep at home, but please feel free to bring it in for tuning.
Instrument Scholarships
North Scott Community Schools has a limited amount of school violins and violas that are available for student use when a family is in need. Please contact Mrs. Dargene directly to inquire details.
High School Orchestra Information
High School Orchestras – Directed by Mrs Linda Dargene and Mr. Ben Lorentzen
Varsity and Junior Varsity Orchestras both meet 1st Block at the High School. All NSO high school members are encouraged to continue as they transition year to year. We do hold auditions for the two groups at the start of the school year. Students may re-audition after the December concert if they wish to be moved groups. Each group has the opportunity to perform 4 concerts and participate in the IHSMA Large/Small group and Large Group contest and join us on our bi-yearly Orchestra Trips! Students will also have the opportunity to be considered for honor orchestras and the Quad City Youth Ensembles.
Lessons- taught by Mr. Ben Lorentzen
All JV and Varsity students will receive 8-9 lessons a semester from Mr. Lorentzen. During these scheduled lessons, students can be coached on learning current concert music, but will also be working on an individual solo, etude and scale. At North Scott, we strive to help our students continue to grow musically and to be ready to pursue a musical career or college courses if they choose to in their post-high school years!
High School Details:
- Locker assignments will be posted in the instrument storage room. Students may put their instruments in their lockers on the first day of school
- Individual lessons are required. Students will learn how to schedule their lessons during class using google calendar
- ACT testing dates typically conflict with All-State auditions and the Solo & Ensemble Festival. Avoid scheduling your tests during these events.
- Orchestra concert attire: Long black concert dress (supplied by school) or black dress slacks, black button down- collared dress shirt (not supplied). Students must wear black shoes/black socks. Red vest and tie will be supplied for students opting for the shirt and pant option.
All State Orchestra Auditions- Audition excerpts and information are available on the Iowa High School Music Association website. If you are interested in auditioning, please download this information, start practicing now, and listen to the recordings. Be aware that corrections are often posted throughout the weeks leading up to the audition date. Check the website regularly for these updates.
Benjamin Lorentzen
Linda Dargene
Professional Affiliations:
Iowa High School Music Association
American String Teachers Association
Student Achievements
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South Eastern Iowa String Teachers Association Honor Orchestra- local
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Iowa String Teachers Association Honor Orchestra- State level
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Kennedy Honor Orchestra- Cedar Rapids, IA
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Dorian Honor Orchestra- Decorah, IA
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Best in Center Soloist- Iowa High School Music Association Small Group Contest
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Division I (Superior Rating) - Iowa High School Music Association Large Group Contest
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Iowa All-State Orchestra- Iowa State University, Ames, IA
- Quad City Youth Ensemble
- Quad City Chamber Orchestra
- Quad City Youth Symphony
- Iowa Junior Honor Orchestra Festival- Ames, IA
Why sign up for Orchestra?
2025-2026 Orchestra Dates
AUGUST
1st Day of School Aug. 25th
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SEPTEMBER
(High School) Pizza Sales:
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OCTOBER
JH/HS- Monday, Oct. 6th at 7:00Pm Philharmonster Concert Grades 8-12
NSHS Aud
HS- All-State Auditions, Saturday, Oct. 25th
Oct. Conferences 27th/30th
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NOVEMBER
HS- JV Orchestra to John Glenn for Grandparents day, Tues., Nov. 25th
JH/HS Iowa Junior Honor Orchestra Festival, Ames, IA, Friday, Nov. 21st, ISU
HS- All-State Festival, Ames, IA Nov. 20th-22nd
Thanksgiving Break Nov. 27th-28th
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DECEMBER
HS- Winter HS Concert- Sunday, Dec. 14th, HS AUD, 1:30PM
Winter Break (early release Dec. 20th) Dec. 21- Jan. 2nd
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JANUARY
JH- Thursday, Jan., 23rd Grade Recruiting Concert
NSJH Old Gym
JH/HS- Saturday, Jan. 17th, All- Day- Select Students, SEISTA Honor Orchestra, BHS, All Day
JH- Tuesday, Jan. 27th, 7:00 PM, Junior High Orchestra Concert
NSJH Old Gym
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FEBRUARY
Early Feb- Junior High Possible instrument exploration dates? Jan. 30th- Feb. 2nd
HS- Dorain Orchestra Festival Honor Orchestra- Feb. 8th-9th
HS- Feb. Orchestra Concert Tues., Feb. 24th, 7:00PM - NSHS Auditorium
Conferences
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MARCH
JH- Saturday, March 7th, Kennedy Honor Orchestra, Grades 7-9th, Cedar Rapids
JH- Mon., March 9th 4:00-8:00 PMJunior High Orchestra Solo Festival
NSJH Commons, Orchestra Room, FACS
HS Orchestra Trip March 13-16th, LOCATION TBD
Conferences: March 10th/12th (JH)
Spring Break March 16th-20st
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APRIL
HS- IHSMA Small Group/ Solos, Saturday, April 18th, PVHS
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MAY
JH/HS- Tuesday, May 5th, Overture of Orchestras 6:30PM, Grades 7-12, NSHS Auditorium
HS- Large Group Contest, Friday, May 8th, BHS, TBA
JH- Fri., May 15th, 2026, 8:10 AM, All School Concert, NSJH Old Gym
HS/JH- Saturday, May 16h, 2026, ISTA Honor Orchestra