String Orchestra

Students participating in string orchestra will actively engage in the creation and performance of orchestral music literature, which will expose students to a variety of musical genres and periods. Students will advance their musical development through rehearsal and performance in small and large ensemble settings.

Orchestra is offered to students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students playing other instruments may only join orchestra with the approval of the high school orchestra director.

Performances in the school and community will be scheduled throughout the year. Students who are enrolled in Orchestra are eligible to audition for BCMEA and PMEA festivals, as well as other select ensembles. Participation in the orchestra includes occasional required rehearsals and/or performances outside of normal school hours.

Prerequisite: Participation in the middle school orchestra program or the equivalent, and/or approval of the high school orchestra director.

Honors Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra is an advanced string orchestra. Students participating in Chamber Orchestra will actively engage in the creation and performance of rigorous orchestral music literature.

Chamber Orchestra is offered to students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Students playing other instruments may only join orchestra with the approval of the high school orchestra director.

Participation in the Chamber Orchestra includes occasional required rehearsals and/or performances outside of normal school hours. Students enrolled in Chamber Orchestra are eligible to audition for BCMEA and PMEA festivals, as well as other select ensembles.

Prerequisite: Admission is by audition or the approval of the high school orchestra director. This course is weighted at an additional .25 as a recognition of the fact that it is more demanding and has more requirements that go beyond those of the standard music ensemble courses.

KIGAKU

An invitation-based group comprised of students that are eager to push themselves to their limits musically. KIGAKU is an extra-curricular group that rehearses weekly afterschool. Students can expect to play a variety of well known popular pieces of music arranged by Mr. P. These arrangements are often composed for college-level musicians.

Prerequisite: Students that are in KIGAKU must already be a member of the Chamber Orchestra.