Frenship ISD is excited to offer Orchestra as our newest music program. The Orchestra Program, encompasses bowed stringed instruments. Orchestra forms an integral part of school life and is recognized as a fully curricular academic enrichment course. The curriculum is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. In our district, students typically begin instruction in orchestra in Grade 6. Students who elect Orchestra are encouraged to take advantage of the continuous and sequential orchestra experience through high school and beyond.
The Frenship Orchestra Program is open to all interested students at Frenship ISD who demonstrate a combination of the following: a desire to participate in the program, a basic ability to learn music, and a positive and cooperative attitude in rehearsal and performance settings.
The instruments in the string orchestra are violin, viola, cello and string bass.
Do you already play a string instrument? We'd love to have you join our new program!
If you've never played a string instrument before and want to learn, we have a beginning orchestra class for you.
If you have any questions, please email orchestra director Darcy Radcliffe:
[email protected]
Dear Frenship ISD Students,
Welcome to the Frenship ISD Orchestras! As we embark on the inaugural year of the Frenship ISD Orchestra Program, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and share my excitement about the upcoming year.
I am coming to you from Abilene, Texas where I have been the director of orchestras for Abilene High School and Cooper High School for the past 21 years. My experience of creating innovative performance ensembles has opened doors for my students and given them many opportunities for personal growth and achievement beyond my wildest expectations. I am excited to be joining the excellent Fine Arts administration and faculty along with the families of Frenship ISD to provide similar enrichment opportunities for the Frenship ISD orchestra students.
For students that are already experienced string players, I hope that you’ll join me in setting the pace and creating vision for the Frenship Orchestras.
For students that are new string players, we exuberantly welcome you into the wonderful world of string music! There is much to learn, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and love of string music with you.
May this be a groundbreaking year of discovery, connection, and unforgettable experiences!
Sincerely,
Darcy Radcliffe
Darcy Radcliffe, a celebrated music educator with over 20 years of experience, has won numerous awards for her outstanding work in string education. She is the recipient of the 2006 American String Teachers Association Marjorie Keller Young Teacher of the Year Award and was named a 2014 Top 20 under 40 leader in Abilene.
Radcliffe’s dynamic string performance group, Revolution Strings, has performed at several state and national music education conventions, toured Europe, China, Canada, and Nashville, and performed with multiple award-winning artists.
Revolution Strings - Hello World
Orchestra Supplies
The student is expected to keep their instrument clean and in sound playing condition. The student pays for lost or stolen instruments and repairs resulting from misuse, negligence, or carelessness. Damage must be reported to the instructor and/or music store immediately. The instrument may be used only by the person to whom it is assigned. Instruments shall be returned in the same condition in which they were received.
Method Book
Essential Elements 2000 Method Book 1 (for violin, viola, cello and bass)
Rosin
Sherman or Core brands for violin/viola
Jade or Nyman brands for cello/bass
Shoulder Rests and End Pin Anchors
Kun shoulder rests for 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4 size violins
Kun shoulder rests for 12" 13" 14" 15" and 16" violas
End pin anchors for 1/2-4/4 size cello and bass
Strings
Dominant strings for violin, viola and cello
Prelude strings for violin, viola and cello
No Red Label strings
Tuners
Korg clip on tuners for bowed string instruments
Orchestra Schedule
Frenship HS will offer two orchestra classes for the 2023-2024 school year.
Gold Days
7th period: 12:54-2:24pm
8th period: 2:30-4:00pm
