Middle School Strings Shine at Open Rehearsals
Strings and smiles filled the Performing Arts Center dance studio this morning as middle school musicians performed for their families during open rehearsals. From first-year players learning the foundations of their instruments to returning students tackling challenging ensemble pieces, the performances showcased the energy, focus, and talent that define King’s music program.
Guests were welcomed with coffee, tea, and pastries before joining students taking the Strings Survey class. Over the past several weeks, this introductory course has allowed students to explore all the instruments in the string family before choosing the one to focus on for the year. Their open rehearsal included selections from their method book, a rock-inspired piece titled “First Finger Rock”, and a preview of “Rogue’s Revenge,” which they will perform at the Winter Concert in December.
Following a brief intermission, the second-year String Ensemble class performed. The audience enjoyed performances of “Petite Tango” and “Themes from Planets,” as well as an early look at “Rustic Dance,” which will also be featured in the Winter Concert.
Music teacher Colin Benn emphasized that both ensembles are designed to support students at different stages of their musical journey. “These classes are not audition-based; however, Strings Survey is a prerequisite for String Ensemble.”
Because both are graded major courses, the classes meet six times per rotation or roughly four times a week. “That’s more often than many schools, and something I love about King,” said Benn.
As students advance through the music program, they are expected to prepare and practice their work outside of class, including recording themselves playing their pieces. While this high standard might seem daunting initially, students shared their appreciation for the process.
“Mr. Benn has helped me improve as a musician by assigning us homework, listening to me carefully, and pointing out where I can improve,” said Tanya Jain ’31. “Along with this, Mr. Benn also works one-on-one with me if I am having trouble with a specific piece.”
This combination of individualized instruction and consistent practice equips students to contribute more effectively in ensemble and collaborative performances.
“Mr. Benn has taught me so many things about both playing the violin and being a respectful musician,” added Ella Bernstein ’31. “He makes class productive but also really enjoyable.”
These skills and habits come together during events like the open rehearsals, which Benn sees as a natural step in his intentional program.
“Any opportunity to perform in front of an audience is an important part of the learning process,” he said. “Without performance, practicing and learning music can be abstract. It would be like having a sports team that only does drills. An open rehearsal is like a scrimmage; it allows students the chance to test their work under pressure.”