Orchestra
String Ensemble - Sinfonia Orchestra - Chamber Orchestra - Symphony Orchestra - Musical Pit Orchestra
2024-2025
Leadership Newsletter
Leadership Newsletter

Check out our Orchestra Program

2024-2025 Leadership
Executive Board
PresidentNia Moreno
VP of Social Media
Aileen Wang
VP of Fundraisers and Events
Jenna Wang, Samuel Missik, & Suni Swaro
VP of Publications
Anthony Jananian & Madeline Ririe
VP of (Small Ensemble) Coordinator
Sawyer Damron
VP of Media Manager
Benjamin Park
There is a place for everyone in the orchestra program at Tesoro High School.
We look forward to you joining us at Tesoro HS, one of the top 10 high schools in Orange County. The Grammy® Foundation has twice recognized Tesoro High School Instrumental Music Program as one of the top music programs in the nation. 2015, we became a Grammy® Signature School by earning a Top 5 in the Nation award. Our ensembles consistently perform at superior levels in all areas of our program. The top Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra groups have been invited to perform three times at Carnegie Hall in New York, where they were Gold Award recipients. The Symphony Orchestra performs yearly in the OC Philharmonic Orchestra Festival in the elite Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. All string ensembles have consistently received Unanimous Superior Festival Performance Ratings at the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Festivals throughout Southern California.
We offer various courses and ensembles for all levels of interest and skill.
String Ensembles
This course develops the intermediate-level orchestra and utilizes increasingly complex scales and repertoire to develop string pedagogy further. Students will rehearse, analyze, and perform various string ensemble music at 2.5 and 3 levels. Sectional lessons for each instrument are scheduled twice a month during class time. Three/Four required public concerts /festivals per year.Admission is open to all players.Sinfonia Orchestra
Sinfonia is a high-level orchestra. Musicians in this ensemble will study pieces from various musical periods. Students will rehearse, analyze and perform string ensemble music at the Grade 3+/4 level. Private study is recommended as students must meet strict audition criteria to be considered for this group. Course content includes critique, sight reading, and study of music history, theory, and the role of music in various cultures and our current society. Daily home practice of performance literature is expected. Sectional lessons for each instrument are scheduled twice a month during class time. Students in this course will work on the three areas of music study: music performance, music reading, and musical knowledge. Four or more public concerts/festivals are required per year. The course includes written and playing tests, solos, small ensemble and full ensemble performances, and a comprehensive final exam. Admission is by auditionChamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is the most advanced string orchestra ensemble that provides continuing growth in music through the study and performance of advanced orchestral literature ranging from grade 4 /5+ to collegiate+ level. Private study is highly recommended as students must meet strict audition criteria to be considered for this group. This orchestra, comprised of elite performers, regularly performs in the community and competes at district and state festivals. Additionally, students in the Chamber Orchestra will be expected to participate in the full symphony rehearsals outside of the school day during the months of January, February, and March once a week after school. Solo, small ensemble, and school/ community performances are highly encouraged. Members must be dedicated to this time commitment to refining and perfecting musical skills. A history of excellence in music participation, preparation, performance, and attitude is required for this group. The curriculum will also prepare students to audition for the various honor orchestras; District, Southern, and State. Students in this course continue working on the three areas of music study: music performance, music reading, and musical knowledge. Students will participate in public performances, become more proficient in reading music on their instruments, and learn the advanced concepts of music theory. Admission is by auditionSymphony Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra is Tesoro High School’s most elite full orchestra. The top chamber orchestra strings, auditioned sinfonia orchestra strings, and wind ensemble winds/percussion players comprise this most challenging ensemble. This ensemble performs highly advanced full orchestra repertoire Grade 4/5+. In addition to performing as a large symphony orchestra, students prepare solos and small ensembles throughout the year. Sectional lessons for each instrument are scheduled during the chamber orchestra and wind ensemble class periods. The Symphony Orchestra is by audition and meets Tuesdays 7:45 – 9:00 PM from January to May. There are many public, community, and festival performances throughout the year. Admission is by auditionAdditional Participation
In addition to the courses offered during the academic day, the string students will have opportunities to perform in various performance quartets and/or in the ‘Giving BACH’ music club and Tri-M National Honor Music Society. .

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