Primary Orchestra Courses 

Symphony Orchestra (varsity string players, MS orchestra prerequisite, director approval required)

5321.R100.Y Orchestra I (Year 1)

5322.R100.Y Orchestra II (Year 2)

5323.H100.Y Orchestra III (Year 3)

5324.H100.Y Orchestra IV (Year 4)

Philharmonic Orchestra (non-varsity string players, MS orchestra prerequisite)

5321.R200.Y Orchestra I (Year 1)

5322.R200.Y Orchestra II (Year 2)

5323.H200.Y Orchestra III (Year 3)

5324.H200.Y Orchestra IV (Year 4)

Beginner Orchestra (no prior experience required)

5321.R000.Y Orchestra I (Year 1)

Elective Courses (concurrent with a primary orchestra course, director approval required)

Mariachi Strings

5311.R100.Y Mariachi I

5312.R100.Y Mariachi II

5313.H100.Y Mariachi III

5314.H100.Y Mariachi IV 

Chamber Strings

5322.R300.Y Orchestra II (Year 2)

5323.H300.Y Orchestra III (Year 3)

5324.H300.Y Orchestra IV (Year 4)

High school orchestra classes offer a sequential progression through orchestral music studies. All orchestra classes are full-year commitments, as each member of the ensemble is critical to the continued growth and success of the group. Out-of-school rehearsals and performances are required. Each course listed above offers students the opportunity to perform music from a range of genres, from classical to pop! Through the study of string instrument playing, students build their musicianship, gain leadership skills, and learn to work effectively as a group.  

Students with prior orchestra experience from middle school are eligible for Philharmonic Orchestra (non-varsity) or Symphony Orchestra (varsity). Students seeking a rigorous course with more advanced techniques, performance and competition opportunities, and guest artist workshops should communicate with the director to gain approval to register for Symphony Orchestra.  

No previous orchestra experience? Beginner Orchestra is the perfect place for you! In this course, we explore the fundamentals of playing a string instrument and learn repertoire that will prepare you for more advanced orchestra courses.

Rapidly progressing students may be transferred to a more advanced orchestra level as approved by the director, and as scheduling permits. 

Students are expected to rent their own instruments, although a limited number of instruments are available for use from the campus. If renting an instrument presents an obstacle to participation in orchestra, communicate with the director so that the school can assist in providing an instrument from our inventory. 

Recommended Prerequisites: Middle school orchestra experience and/or director's approval for placement in all ensembles.            

NOTE: Attendance at performances and rehearsals outside school hours is required and included in grades. In addition to the regular curriculum, students will be required to complete extra work for weighted credit. Within one music strand, students are encouraged to follow the sequence of courses to complete a Humanities and Fine Arts endorsement.