Station Orchestra

Anouncements

Welcome to the Hilliard Station Orchestra Website!

Here you will find information about our program and the personal and musical growth that takes place in our classroom.

Orchestra is a year-long elective at Station 6th grade. Students must select their preferred instrument and will remain on that instrument for the school year. It is recommended that your student take part in our “Fitting” events in February to touch and play each of the instruments. This event helps your student to solidify their selection and build encouragement for the coming school year.

Students or guardians who have questions about the Station Orchestra program should reach out to Mrs. Thomas via Parent Square!

Gallery

Our Staff

Emily Thomas
Director
Mrs. Emily Thomas is a high school graduate of Upper Arlington, Ohio. She received her Bachelor’s of Music Education from the Ohio State University in 2017 where she was an active member Sigma Alpha Iota and the Ohio State Marching Band. She also has a Master’s in Educational Policy from the Ohio State University. Mrs. Thomas spent her first two years teaching in Columbus City Schools at Columbus Africentric Early College instructing 6-12 band and orchestra. Emily Thomas transitioned to Hilliard City Schools in 2019 and supported both the middle school band orchestra programs at Station 6th Grade and Memorial Middle school. Currently, she is the orchestra teacher at Station 6th Grade. Emily Thomas is privileged to work with beginning string students, strengthening their musical skills and encouraging an inclusive class community. In addition to her musical support, Mrs. Thomas support Station 6th Grade as their Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Facilitator.

About the Instruments

Here you will learn a little bit about each of the instruments in the String family. There are links for each instrument connecting to different performers’ pages so you can hear samples of the sounds of each instrument. Keep in mind that each instrument comes in a variety of sizes, so no matter the instrument your child wishes to learn, there is a size that will fit him or her. For those who choose to play cello or bass, please note that Station has instruments for your student to use while at school.  The cellos or basses rented will remain at home.  For those who choose violin and viola, please note that these instruments must be taken to school and back home each day.

VIOLIN: The violin is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the string family.  It is played by supporting the instrument on the left shoulder under the chin. Some famous violinists include: Jascha Heifetz , Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, and Midori

VIOLA:  The viola looks very similar to the violin, and is in fact played the same way. The viola, however, has a lower, richer sound, and is just a little bit bigger than the violin. Some famous violists include: Pinchas Zukerman, Patricia McCarty, and Yuri Bashmet

CELLO: The cello is the only instrument in the orchestra that is always played while sitting. Much larger than the violin and viola, the cello is supported by an end pin that is extended to meet the ground while the instrument is supported by the player’s legs. Some famous cellists include: Mstislav Rostropovich , Jacqueline Dupre, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mischa Maisky

BASS: The bass is the largest and lowest sounding instrument in the orchestra. Bassists usually stand to play the bass which, like the cello, is supported by an extendable end pin that meets the ground.  Some famous bassists include:  Edgar Meyer, Francois Rabbath, Gary Karr, and Charles Mingus

Instrument Videos

Watch this video to learn more about the Orchestra and each instrument in it!