Future Students

James River High School Concert Orchestra provides an opportunity for student musicians of varying skills to develop advanced musicianship while playing orchestral literature through grade level 5 in a performing ensemble. This year’s special emphasis has been on the classical style (Mozart) and on world music. Next year's special emphasis will be on the baroque era (Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi) and world music.

WHAT WE DO & WHY WE DO IT:

• Develop advanced musicianship through performance of orchestral and chamber music repertoire!

• Earn special awards and medals by auditioning for honorific ensembles and through solo & ensemble assessment!

• Go on field trips and social outings with orchestra friends!

• Support our school community by sharing our craft at important school events such as senior convocation, Veteran's Day, and international night!

• Develop employable skills like goal-setting, teamwork, and responsibility while making lifelong friendships!

• Looks great on college applications—especially when continued through senior year!

• Music study improves math scores, SAT scores, and GPAs!

• Meets during the school day for credit toward high school graduation!

CONCERT ORCHESTRA MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA:

No audition is required for students who have successfully completed 3 years of middle school orchestra on violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp. Students with less than 3 years experience; students who have only taken private lessons; and pianists, guitarists, and band students seeking to switch instruments should contact Ms. Austin to discuss alternate routes to membership and to schedule an audition and music literacy test.

VARSITY STRINGS:

Most incoming freshmen will find that Concert Orchestra is the right placement for them; however, outstanding 8th graders are permitted to audition for our elite group, Varsity Strings. Please visit Varsity Strings Ensemble and contact the director for audition details. All auditions must be completed by March 15th. Alternatively, students who participated in CRO (Central Regional Orchestra) may bypass the audition process and be accepted into Varsity by request. CLICK HERE FOR AUDITION INFORMATION. 

PIANISTS:

One exceptionally talented pianist per year may be accepted by audition. Potential pianists should prepare a solo that demonstrates the ability to perform the difficulty level of the ensemble (VBODA grade 3-5). For a sample of the difficulty performed by our orchestra, please view the preview of Water Reflections embedded in THIS LINK. Although pianists will generally have time to study music outside of class with their private teacher, auditioning students must also demonstrate sight-reading ability (VBODA grade 2). For a sample of the sight-reading level expected, please view the preview of Scarborough Fair embedded in THIS LINK. Students with a successful audition will be strong readers with accurate timing and the ability to follow a conductor will performing. It is strongly recommended that pianists in orchestra class are enrolled in private lessons with a quality piano teacher while in orchestra.

Five Benefits of Joining School Orchestra from Yamaha Music USA

Twelve Reasons to Join the School Orchestra from String Ovation

Next year's tentative plans include:

• Perkinson Center

• Richmond Symphony Field Trip

• International Night

• Pachelbel-athon

• Music competition at Kings Dominion

• District Solo & Ensemble Assessment (learn solos, duos, trios, or quartets for comments, ratings, and medals)

SUMMER STRINGS ON THE JAMES:

We host an annual summer music camp. Visit Summer Strings on the James for more information.