Last spring, when students received their courses for the coming year, many of Tech’s most advanced musicians were surprised to see a new class added to their schedule: Camerata. The Camerata orchestra is the latest addition to Brooklyn Tech’s orchestra program, a vital part of the Visual and Performing Arts department.
Camerata, meaning “chamber” in Italian, is Tech’s first chamber orchestra class. A chamber orchestra is composed of a small group or ensemble of musicians. Far smaller than its fellow orchestras, Camerata consists of only thirty musicians.
Students who advanced to be part of Tech’s orchestra program are placed into a level-specific orchestra based on multiple factors, including technique and leadership. Not only did selected Camerata students meet those requirements, but they also showed a strong understanding of chamber music.
Camerata musicians are particularly dedicated to playing without a conductor, so selected students had to demonstrate cooperation and strong communication skills, essential to a smooth performance.
In previous years, orchestra students were assigned to one of four orchestras: Strings 1, Strings 2, Intermediate, or Advanced. Orchestra teacher, Mr. Alexander Tasopoulos, felt those names did not encompass the wide range of students’ skills in each level. The orchestra classes are now Strings Academy, Strings Orchestra II, Sinfonia, and Philharmonic.
“The levels are so mixed, the only one that made a lot of sense was ‘Beginner Orchestra,’” Tasopoulos said. “And then after that, Level 2 was really playing Level 3 music. The intermediate [orchestra] was actually quite advanced, and now the advanced orchestra is split into two advanced orchestras. That’s part of why I gave them all those different names.”
Tasopoulos also explained the rating system that governs Camerata, and all of Tech’s orchestras. “They have a rating system for music in New York State, and the Camerata Orchestra is playing at the highest level, at Level 6,” he explained.
New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) established guidelines that Camerata students, as well as Philharmonic students, are expected to play at a Level 6 rating. Level 5-6 music is based on a scale of 1-100 with 100 being a perfect score. Performance points are given in major categories such as tone, intonation, technique, accuracy, interpretation, scales and sight-reading.
Camerata students playing at such a high rating, especially as a newly-formed orchestra, are adjusting to the challenge.
“As an orchestra, [it will be difficult],” admitted Software major Phoebe Kim (‘26), one of Camerata’s violinists. “Personally, by myself, solo-piece wise, I’ve played level 6. However, I haven’t played as an orchestra in level 6 music.”
In addition to performing at Brooklyn Tech’s musical showcases or NYSSMA All City concerts, Camerata sets level-specific goals, including playing without a conductor. Typically, Tasopoulos leads the orchestra throughout their performance, but Camerata musicians will have to fly solo.
“Playing without a conductor to me is a big deal because the concerts, or the performances, should be about the students,” Taspuolous shared. “I hope that they feel like it’s their orchestra and they take ownership of it. When I stand in front, sometimes the students are waiting for me to give directions, but I want the musicians to make all the decisions.”
PharmD major Hannah Cheng (‘26), one of Camerata’s cellists, is preparing with her peers. “I definitely want to improve on communication with the rest of the sections and understanding timing.”
Looking forward to their first performances of Camerata’s, success will be dependent on students’ ability to work together, especially on the city’s premiere historic stage.
Though the full details have yet to be released, Tasopoulos hinted that students will also be invited to perform at Carnegie Hall. Students will be performing alongside high school students from Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and Talent Unlimited High School.
“I’m so excited!” Kim exclaimed. “I’m really nervous to collaborate with other students from different high schools. But, I’m also extremely honored to play at Carnegie Hall in my junior year as I’m still very young.”
For now, you can find Camerata in their orchestra pit at 8N5, previously the chorus room, refining their pieces for their debut in the upcoming winter concert this December.
