Remember when you were little and did not want to eat any NEW food?  Your parents would always say, “Try it before you decide you don’t like it.”  HS Orchestra is the same way. You should sign up, even if you are unsure, to see what it's like to play in high school. You've invested a lot in your musical skills, so it only makes sense to keep going! After your first year, if you decide that this is not for you, you do not have to re-enroll in your second year.

While the actual act of playing your instrument is similar, the social network and safety net are even bigger than they are in middle school.  From day one, you will be musically and personally mentored by successful upperclassmen who have a vested interest in your success. You will have many like-minded friends before school even begins, and have experiences together that are unlike anything others have experienced in middle school.

There is NO COST to enroll in orchestra outside your own personal instrument costs. We do some fundraisers during the year to make sure it stays that way, too!

The commitment outside the school day is very similar to middle school. We have 3-4 performances each year in the evenings. Students may also choose to participate in some extra activities, but those are not required.  For our last concert of the year, we usually combine the two high school orchestras with members of the band to perform a full symphony orchestra concert. To prepare for that, we meet a few times after school in April and May. It's a wonderful experience for everyone! A year-long calendar will be provided well in advance to help you plan for these events.

YES! There is plenty of room in your schedule to take orchestra for four years. We want you to stay in orchestra with us as you transition to high school. We value your talents and contributions and hope that you will continue to be a part of our musical community. We are always looking for dedicated and enthusiastic students who are eager to learn and grow, and we believe that you have the potential to make a real difference in our orchestra. So make sure to sign up, and let's make some great music together!

All incoming students should register for Concert Orchestra. This group contains mostly freshmen and sophomores.

•  Orchestra can help you become more comfortable working with others and communicating effectively in a group setting.

•  Playing an instrument requires regular practice and commitment, which can improve your ability to manage your time and meet deadlines

• Orchestra requires focus and attention to detail, which can improve your overall memory and cognitive skills

• The creative aspect of music-making allows for self-expression and can boost your overall creativity

• Performing in front of others can improve your public speaking skills and build self-confidence

• Playing an instrument requires physical coordination and can improve dexterity in your fingers and hands

• Being a part of an orchestra provides a sense of belonging and community through shared experiences and a common interest in music

• Participating in orchestra is a fun and enjoyable hobby outside of the normal school work

•  Involvement in an orchestra can demonstrate to colleges or future employers that you are dedicated, committed, and well-rounded.

Actually, it is really easy!  All you need to do is indicate that you want to take Concert Orchestra as one of your electives as a Freshman student.  See below!

Please know that we are here to answer any and all questions that you may have.  Due to the busy nature of our program, it is difficult to contact by phone. The best way for you to reach out with questions is to email Mrs. Huggler at jhuggler@gbcs.org

Mrs. Huggler---------------->