Philharmonic Orchestra
The purpose of the freshman orchestra is to provide a place where students can transition from the middle school way of doing things into the West High School way of doing things. This class, while still a performance-based class, will focus more on developing and perfecting basic to advanced skills needed to enter the performing environment of the Symphony Orchestra. It will also focus on developing good practice habits in the high school environment where personal and extracurricular life can create difficulties with musical practice. Students who successfully pass this class will be admitted to the Symphony Orchestra and should be able to hold their own as a soloist as well as being able to play well within a section.
Symphony Orchestra
The symphony orchestra is the primary performing group at Millard West High School. The function of this orchestra is to provide students with opportunities to grow into the type of musician they want to be. Members of this class are expected to push themselves in their own avenues of musical growth as well as meet performance goals for the group. For those students who wish to pursue more musical experiences opportunities will include auditioning for chamber orchestra, honors groups, forming string quartets, electric groups, and a concerto competition for those with exceptional soloing experience.
Chamber Orchestra
This orchestra is an extracurricular group designed to provide ambitious students a way to further develop their musical skills. All students who wish to be part of this group must first audition to participate. They should be comfortable as soloists, independent practitioners, and the kind of student who takes enjoyment from pushing themselves. Music will be focused on selections that can be played without a conductor and can be prepared with little or no direction from the director.