Performing Arts

Beginning Orchestra

This ensemble is for first year orchestra students.  In this ensemble we will learn the fundamentals of playing a string instrument which include: posture, hand positions, bowing technique, and all aspects of music literacy and music theory.   Instrument selections will first be based on the top choice of each student as well as instrument availability.  Further physiological assessment may be needed depending on the student's choice.  During this first year of orchestra, students are expected to participate in their fullest capacity, and to practice regularly. All members are expected to participate in all the concerts as well as a few competitive festivals throughout the year.

Philharmonic Orchestra

This ensemble is the top-performing group made up of the most advanced musicians in the program.  At this stage in their playing, the students should be very comfortable with the fundamentals of playing their instrument as well as the fundamentals of music literacy.   It is for this reason that all members are expected to perform and rehearse with a high level of excellence in musicianship.  They are also expected to participate in all concerts and competitive festivals.  This group will also be the ensemble who performs at school functions where the orchestra is asked to perform.   Students will also be required to attend sectionals before or after school, as well as any extra rehearsals as needed.  Since they are the oldest and most experience musicians in the orchestra program, all students are expected to be role models of musicianship and behavior  for the rest of the organization.

Beginning Band

This ensemble is for first year band students.  In this ensemble we will learn the fundamentals of band which include: breathing, posture, hand position, embouchure formation, and all aspects of music literacy and music theory.   Instrument selections will first be based on the top three choices of each student.  From their three choices, they will have an instrument compatibility test.  During this first year of band, students are expected to participate in their fullest capacity, and to practice regularly. All members are expected to participate in all the concerts as well as a few competitive festivals throughout the year.

Honor Band

This ensemble is the top-performing group made up of the most advanced musicians in the program.  At this stage in their playing, the students should be very comfortable with the fundamentals of playing their instrument as well as the fundamentals of music literacy.   It is for this reason that all members are expected to perform and rehearse with a high level of excellence in musicianship.  They are also expected to participate in all concerts and competitive festivals.  This group will also be the ensemble who performs at school functions where the band is asked to perform.   Students will also be required to attend sectionals before or after school, as well as any additional rehearsals as needed.  Since they are the oldest and most experience musicians in the band program, all students are expected to be role models of musicianship and behavior for the rest of the organization.