Orchestra
About ALA Orchestra Program
Symphonic Strings is an advanced string orchestra for students in grades 9-12. Members are selected for their strong musicianship, dedication to orchestra, and work ethic. Challenging repertoire will stretch the abilities of members as they expand their individual musicianship. Members of the orchestra will have numerous performances. Formal black attire is required of all members.


Current
Course Offerings
Symphonic Strings
Symphonic Strings is an advanced string orchestra for students in grades 9-12. Members are selected for their strong musicianship, dedication to orchestra, and work ethic. Challenging repertoire will stretch the abilities of members as they expand their individual musicianship. Members of the orchestra will have numerous performances. Formal black attire is required of all members.
Elementary Strings
A beginning level class designed to learn a new string instrument r students in grades 5-6. No previous experience is necessary to join this class. The purpose is to learn the basic techniques of individual and ensemble playing to prepare them for the rigors of music in the secondary level. Some of the best musicians come out of this class! This group performs 2-4 times throughout the school year.
Prelude Strings
Prelude strings is an Orchestra l course. It is a beginning course for those learning violin, viola, cello or bass. (No experience required) Course objectives are to play with correct position, good intonation, tone and posture. Students will learn basic rhythm and note reading. Students will participate in at least four performances throughout the year and will also have the opportunity to perform a solo in class at the end of the year. An instrument and music book is required.
Instruments taught: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Concert Strings
Concert strings is an Orchestra ll course. Students will expand beginning string techniques learned in prelude orchestra to the intermediate level. They will learn more key signatures, beginning shifting and additional bow techniques. Vibrato will be introduced. Students will participate in at least four performances throughout the year and will also have the opportunity to perform a solo in class at the end of the year. An instrument and music book is required.
Instruments taught: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Sinfonia Strings
Sinfonia strings is an Orchestra lll course. Students will expand techniques begun in Concert Strings and prepare for symphony strings. Focus will be on more shifting, vibrato and bowing techniques. Students will participate in at least four performances throughout the year and will also have the opportunity to perform a solo and participate in various festivals. An instrument and music book is required.
Instruments taught: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
Meet The Director

Alexis Watson
Orchestra Director
It has been Alexis Watson’s dream to become an orchestra teacher. She is so excited that ALA has made that dream come true. She is passionate about music and has been playing music since a very young age. She graduated from Brigham Young University in cello performance and started teaching private lessons and playing gigs where she could. During the Covid lockdown she took violin lessons online and learned to play all of the string instruments. Soon after she landed a job as an orchestra teacher’s aid of a beginner class. The following year, she worked as a substitue teacher exclusively for other secondary orchestra teachers in the Alpine and Provo Districts. She has been a member of the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra and has played with them for 12 years and counting. She gets to play in various pit orchestras for musicials and ballets and enjoys playing quartet music for weddings and events. When she is not doing things music related, she loves to spend time with her husband and 4 kids, she loves to bake and garden and go running for exercise. Alexis is so delighted to be a part of the ALA team now. She brings a passion of music and learning.

Important Dates
Performances
• February 25 - Solo and Ensemble Night
• February 26 - Fine Arts Assembly
• May 7 - End of Year Concert
Events
• April 22 - Snow College Orchestra Festival
• March 19 - Region Festival
• May 3 - Trills and Thrills Lagoon Festival
Auditons
Spring 2025 TBA