Orchestra Program Overview

The Fort Smith Public Schools Orchestra Program offers instruction on the violin, viola, cello, and bass beginning in the 6th grade.  Instruments are provided by the FSPS district at no cost to all students.  The  Senior High Orchestra consists of students in 9th through 12th grades.  

Beginning orchestra students will perform in 3 formal concerts during the school year.  Intermediate and Senior High students will perform in 4 concerts, plus All-Region Contest, and may choose to participate in Solo and Ensemble contest.  They will also have the opportunity to audition for and participate in the North All-Region Orchestra, and Senior High students will have the added opportunity to audition for and participate in the All-State Orchestra. Orchestra students develop not only string instrument technique, rote playing, note reading, music theory, and musicality but also further develop positive character traits like self-discipline, determination, and team spirit.  They will perform in many varying styles of music and be exposed to the greatest musicians and ensembles of the world.   Through music students can learn to recognize beauty, truth, and purpose in themselves and in others.  They will also develop meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers that will be a positive influence for them throughout their life's journey.  

Many of our students also participate in the Band or Choir programs.  We encourage students to participate in more than one music class. Students who participate in orchestra, band and choir do much better academically and score higher on benchmark tests and college entrance exams than the rest of the student body.  Statistically, orchestra students score the highest of all.

Our orchestra students have a history of receiving numerous music and academic scholarships. Several of our middle school and high school orchestra students are already planning for a career in teaching and performing. Also, statistics have shown that at least 30% of students in our nation's public school orchestra programs continue to perform music as adults. There are hundreds of symphony orchestras throughout the nation and world, and the largest sections in those orchestras are string sections. Many people employ string quartets to perform at weddings, for dinners, and receptions. There are numerous opportunities for string players to perform and teach.

 A very important reason to be involved in orchestra is because it is enriching and fun. Music is exciting, emotional, passionate, and energetic; it covers the wide range of emotions.  It is fun and exhilarating to perform.  Being involved in music is transformative,  life changing.  We enjoy teaching our students.  It is our passion and our mission. What a great way to live life, playing and teaching music every day!