Tucson Unified's orchestra programs create musicians who form lifelong engagement with symphonic music. We begin with fundamentals and technique. From there, we expand to interpretation in ensemble and solo performance. For example, students in elementary school learn that the correct playing position, breathing, and fingering is the foundation of learning to play a woodwind instrument, and the correct playing position and bow hold is the foundation of learning to play a string instrument.
The application of foundation skills expands students' technical skills, their interpretation of universal themes, and the concept of ensemble playing. Expanded application of skills emphasizes independence in technique, reading, interpretation, solo and ensemble performance and composition. From this start, a musician is born!