• Select Strings Overview & Student Information

    Application Deadline: October 9th, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

  • Select Strings is a high level musical ensemble made up of the best students from each of our 4 beginning orchestra classes. This group will perform on an elementary tour and the final concert - May 4th at 6:30pm - with the Honor and Pops Orchestra (our most advanced ensembles). 

    If performance-ready, Select Strings may be invited to perform on the Winter Concert - December 10th at 6:30. Please put this in your calendar in case. This will be confirmed/communicated at a later date.

     

  • Membership is limited. Anticipated available positions are 18 violin spots, 8 viola spots, 6 cello spots, and 3 string bass spots. Selection will be based primarily on how consistently and positively the student participates in Beginning Orchestra class and how well the student performs the required audition music.

    Instrumentation balance, preparation, responsibility, and available space will also be considered. Auditioning or applying does not guarantee selection; final membership also depends on readiness, instrumentation balance, and ensemble needs.

    Practice will occur 4:00 - 5:00 PM every Friday (unless otherwise indicated in the calendar).

  • Parent/Guardian Contact Information

    Important announcements, rehearsal updates, cancellations, and reminders will also be sent through the Remind messaging service. View Remind Sign-Up Instructions
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Student Application & Audition

    Thoughtful and detailed responses to these question will be considered more seriously. Short and lesser responses may appear as disinterest.
  • How many days per week do you currently practice?*

  • Violin Part Preference — Violin Applicants Only.

    Violin 1 parts often play higher notes and more of the melody and may require greater comfort with higher finger patterns or more exposed passages.

    Violin 2 parts often play lower notes, harmony, rhythmic support, and inner musical lines that are essential to the ensemble. Violin 2 is not a lesser part; both parts require strong preparation, steady rhythm, and teamwork. Final part assignments will be made by the director based on student readiness and the needs of the ensemble.

  • Which part would you prefer to be considered for? (skip if you don't play violin)

  • Back-up Members

    Students not initially selected may volunteer as backup members. Backup members must independently practice Select Strings music outside ensemble rehearsals and be ready to join with little notice if a member is removed or a position opens. Backup status does not guarantee placement.

  • If you are not initially selected, would you like to be considered as a backup member?*

  • Elementary Tour Trip

    Volunteers and Chaperones needed

  • The January 29, 2027 Elementary Tour is a full-school-day trip for Select Strings students, where they will perform with the Beginning Honor Band at our feeding elementary schools.

    The estimated cost is $80 per student and may change when final quotes and participation numbers are known. It covers charter-bus transportation, supplies/music, a GattiTown meal, and a GattiTown game card. The $80 payment will be added to the student's CutTime account once this application form is submitted, if the student is accepted into Select Strings

    Limited financial assistance may be available depending on available orchestra funds. Families who may need assistance should contact Mr. Hall privately. Requesting assistance will not affect a student's application or selection.

  • Would you (parent/guardian) be interested in helping with the recruiting tour?*

  • Audition Criteria

    Auditions occur during regular Beginning Orchestra class beginning October 12th. The required audition selection is Line 47, "Ode to Joy," from the Orchestra Expressions book.

    Results will be posted outside the orchestra room October 16 immediately after school.

    Evaluation criteria: correct posture and instrument/bow position; correct notes and fingerings; steady pulse and accurate rhythm; appropriate beginning tone; confident start and stop; preparation, focus, and continuing after a small mistake. Results will be posted no later than one week after the final student auditions.

  • Rehearsal and Performance Attendance

    Students must attend all rehearsals and performances, arrive early/on time - Friday @ 4:00 PM

    The first Rehearsal will occur on October 23.

    They must also bring their instrument, music, pencil, and supplies, practice assigned music, maintain passing grades, and show positive behavior. No more than two unexcused absences are permitted; the third unexcused absence results in removal from Select Strings. Three unexcused tardies count as one unexcused absence.

    Read the full Orchestra Attendance Policy: Covington Orchestra Attendance Policy

  • Additional Information

    Schedule: The Elementary Tour will be during school hours on January 29th; detailed schedule will be provided at a later date.

    Attire: Black CMS Strings Shirt, Blue Jeans (Clean; not faded or torn). You can read more detailed information about our uniform requirements here - https://www.cmsstrings.org/orchestra-information#uniformorch 

    Dress Rehearsal: January 28th, 2027, 4:00 - 5:30 PM on the stage in the Performing Arts Building

    Payment: After submitting this application, if submitted, the trip cost will added to Cuttime. Cash or check (made payable to "CSBO") will also be accepted.

  • Review Expectations

    If selected, the student will be expected to

    - attend Friday rehearsals from 4:00–5:00 p.m. and required performances or activities
    - arrive on time and prepared with instrument, music, pencil, and supplies,
    - practice Select Strings music outside rehearsal,
    - maintain passing grades and complete classwork, communicate absences or tardies in advance,
    - complete the in-class audition, understand that selection depends on the application, audition, readiness, instrumentation needs, and available space, and
    - participate in the January 29, 2027 elementary recruiting tour unless an exceptional conflict is discussed with the director.

    Missing rehearsals, incomplete classwork, failing grades, or disruptive behavior may jeopardize trip eligibility and Select Strings membership.

  • Family Commitment & Signatures

  • Student Signature Date*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Parent/Guardian Signature Date*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
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