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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]No school orchestra is ever going to come close to the quality of a private selective youth orchestra, OP. It's just not the same experience at all. This means that the kids who get into MCYO, etc, are bored to death in school ensembles. If they do it, it's only because it makes them eligible for state or county ensembles. My DD has been in MCYO for years, and only participates in her school orchestra because it's a relaxing period with friends outside of her advanced or AP classes, and she can get into All-State every year.

For the kids who haven't yet developed the competencies for MCYO, etc, school orchestra is extremely useful to hone listening skills in a group setting.

None of it is a lot of work, since group music is mostly practiced as a group, and very little outside of that (the music is relatively easy, it's playing together that's hard). The bulk of the work of a musician comes from private lessons.

But if you want to free up some time to explore other things, by all means! Middle school is the right time for it.

[/quote]

I completely disagree that MCYO kids are bored to death. I’ve taught MCYO All-State kids at the MS level and they were not bored. They worked on their advanced skills at the same time their less experienced peers were working on lower level skills. It’s very easy to differentiate strings instruction versus wind instruments. Less experienced kids are playing in first position while more experienced kids are playing in different positions, on different strings, using harmonics, etc. All techniques they need to practice for McYO. These advanced musicians are also leaders in the school orchestra playing first parts versus playing 2nd or 3rd parts in the MCYO factory.[/quote]

I agree. My kid has all the “advanced” credentials and it drives him nuts to see the other kids who also play in private orchestras devalue school ensembles. Good musicians can learn and grow in a lot of environments. The attitude that “I am superior” is a barrier to that growth and disrespectful of other ensemble members and teachers. [/quote]

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