| |
MISSION
STATEMENT OF McLEAN HS ORCHESTRAS
The
McLean HS Orchestra Program seeks to develop individual
musical artistry, ensemble excellence and promote a
life-long enjoyment of music in each young person. This
important goal cannot be attained without a sincere
desire, effort and commitment from each orchestra
member.
PHILOSOPHY OF
McLEAN HS ORCHESTRAS
It is
the special function of the arts to strengthen, extend,
illuminate, transform and ultimately make life worth living.
Art intensifies and draws together mere experience into
aesthetic experience. When it is over, one feels a jolt or
awakening in another world, not because the world of art is
less real, but because it is more real, vivid, alive, highly
integrated and structured than most of our daily experience.
Throughout history, civilizations have turned to the arts
for expression. Although some cultures have been found to
exist without reading and writing, not one has been found
without the arts. As a fine art, music is "feeling"
intelligence. Musical intelligence is a unique dimension of
every human being. It teaches people to feel and care and
puts them in touch with some of the highest achievements of
humankind. In other words, art music is part of what makes
people well educated!
Playing a string
instrument enables students to unlock some of the great
stored wisdom of the ages. The majority of great Western art
music was written for strings. This longstanding history
includes the music of Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Haydn,
Beethoven, Brahms, Mahler (and many others too numerous to
list) plus works of great American composers such as
Copland, Bernstein and others. String music is so prevalent
that lifelong opportunities for playing string instruments
abound. Community orchestras, sacred orchestras and amateur
chamber music groups welcome capable string players. There
is also a large field of opportunities for those interested
in Pop, Jazz and Bluegrass or Country. For some individuals,
playing a string instrument can become a very meaningful
hobby well into their retirement years.
All children
should be provided with opportunities to pursue their
musical interests and talents. That is why every young
person, without exception, should study music. While all
students will not become professional musicians, all will be
wholly human and wholly educated.
|
|
