Philharmonia & Jr. Phil
Director: Mr. White

ENSEMBLE INFORMATION

Philharmonia 

• • Philharmonia remains the capstone ensemble. This honors ensemble will be a smaller, elite, audition-based group that requires strong technical skills, musicianship, and commitment. This ensemble meets Monday & Thursday mornings from 7:00-7:45 AM (all year)

Jr. Phil 

• • Jr. Phil is a training ensemble designed for students who demonstrate potential but are still developing the skills needed for Philharmonia. This group allows students to continue honing their skills in a challenging yet supportive environment. This group meets Friday mornings from 7:00-7:45 AM (first semester only). 

  • A few select advanced students from Philharmonia may be asked to serve as student mentor leaders for Jr. Phil. 

    • Unfortunately, this group is in direct conflict with Honors Chorus rehearsal days. Please be mindful that if you are accepted into the Honors Chorus next fall, you will need to make a decision of which group to participate in. 

PLACEMENT & COMMUNICATION

• Students' auditions will be scored on a 25 point scale considering factors of skill, preparation and musicianship.

• Students scoring below 20 points on the rubric will be placed in Jr. Phil, with the option to accept or decline participation.

• If a student is not yet ready for Jr. Phil, they will receive individual feedback and guidance on areas for improvement.

MOVEMENT BETWEEN ENSEMBLES:

• • At the semester checkpoint, Jr. Phil will dissolve, and students demonstrating the required skills and habits of mind will be invited into the capstone Philharmonia group (that meets Mondays and Thursdays).

  • Jr Phil. students not invited to move up may join Soundwave for cont. co-curricular experience

  • Philharmonia students who do not meet attendance and commitment expectations may be moved to Jr. Phil at director discretion.

AUDITIONS
Membership in this honors orchestra is based on an audition. Students interested in auditioning will receive all relevant information in April, with auditions taking place before the end of the school year. 

PRIVATE LESSONS
Due to the advanced nature of the music performed by this ensemble, Philharmonia musicians are strongly encouraged to take private lessons weekly. Students who take private lessons often experience greater success with the challenging repertoire and emerge as strong leaders in Philharmonia and their regular orchestra classes. Private lesson lists are available in the orchestra room, or you can email Mr. White to request a copy of our recommended teachers.