All Strings Considered

This event includes all orchestra students in the Kentwood Public School District enrolled in the orchestra program in grades 6-12.

It is a chance for the middle school and high school students to play side by side.  For this event, 7th grade orchestra students will sit and perform with the High School Concert Orchestra.  8th Graders will sit and perform with the High School Philharmonic Orchestra.  6th Graders will unite all together and combine from Vallywood, Crestwood, and Pinewood Middle Schools.  The High School Symphony Orchestra will feature selections from the full orchestra repertoire.  The whole event will conclude as every player in the room plays together in a tour de force selection that showcases the ability of every musician in the room.

Preparations:

While students will be rehearsing the music at home and in class, we will also have one opportunity to rehearse with all the players pulled together.

Mandatory After School Rehearsal: Thursday, February 18, 2027.
7th Grade & Concert Orchestra 6:00 PM Rehearsal.  Students should arrive between 5:30-5:45 to get tuned and find your seat.  After being tuned and finding your seat, students can use the opportunity to warm up and practice the music before the group rehearsal starts.

8th Grade & Philharmonic Orchestra: 7:30 PM Rehearsal.  Students should arrive between 7:00-7:15 PM  to get tuned and find your seat.  After being tuned and finding your seat, students can use the opportunity to warm up and practice the music before the group rehearsal starts.

All Students will report to the music wing of the high school.  Group rehearsal will take place in the band room.  The choir and orchestra rooms will be used to unpack and store cases.

Students must show up with instruments, sheet music, and be prepared to play.  Seating will be assigned at the event.  Students are responsible to find their seat and memorize where it will be for the concert on Sunday.

Concert Day

Sunday, February 21, 2027 @ EKHS Field House (Main Gym): 1:00 PM 

Students must be in their seats, tuned, with sheet music, ready to play by 12:40.  This means they should report to the high school between 12:00-12:15.  This should give students enough time to tune, find their seats, warm up, use the bathroom, and prepare.  Students should report to the band, orchestra, or choir room to unpack and store cases.

Concert Dress is mandatory and required for the event.  School issued polo shirt, black pants, black socks, and black shoes.  If a student is not dressed appropriatly, points will be deducted from their concert grade.

Setup

We are planning to setup for the event on Saturday, February 20th at 10:00 AM,  If you would like to help to set up, we would love your help. We will need to set up several hundred chairs and stands.  Please email me at stephen.finley@kentwoodps.org if you would like to join our setup crew!