MHS Orchestra

Welcome to the MHS Orchestras! The MHS Orchestra Program offers our students an opportunity to develop their independent musicianship, explore challenging and exciting string and full orchestral repertoire, develop important social and leadership skills, and grow in their creative decision making. Most importantly, there is a focus on all students feeling welcome and safe in our orchestra family. The MHS instrumental music room becomes a home away from home where students have an amazing time learning to play music as a very high level. The MHS Orchestras have had the opportunity to perform across the United States as well as in Italy, France, Switzerland, and Canada. They have performed to great accolades at local and regional festivals as well as presented concerts and workshops at the NJMEA State Conference. Here is some more information about the MHS Orchestra Program:

In the curricular orchestra program, there are three ensembles:
- Concert Orchestra - this is where our 9th grade students begin with us at MHS. Successful completion of 8th grade orchestra is required for admission into this class.
- Symphonic Orchestra - an auditioned ensemble for students in grades 10-12.
- Chamber Orchestra - an auditioned ensemble for students in grades 10-12 that plays more advanced repertoire. Students receive honors credit for this course in their senior year.
There are approximately 130 students in our orchestra program annually.
Concert Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra have 2 teachers allowing for students to receive individual help, sectionals, lessons, and coaching.
The MHS Chamber Orchestra performs multiple times throughout the year. In the past, they have performed at state conferences and local and regional festivals.
Every four years, students are given the opportunity to travel abroad and perform a concert tour with the MHS Bands and Orchestras. Our most recent tour was in Oahu, Hawaii in 2024. Previous destinations have included Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, and more.

Co-Curricular

Theater Orchestra

The MHS Theater Orchestra (Pit Orchestra) is a fully student orchestra that performs as the musical accompaniment for our MHS Spring Musical Theater Productions. Instrumentation varies year to year depending upon the needs of the show being performed. Recent shows have included The Addams Family, Chicago, and Grease. For more information, please reach out to Ms. Palmer.

MHS Orchestra Faculty

Kawika Kahalehoe, kkahalehoe@mtsd.us
Rebecca Palmer, rpalmer@mtsd.us
Jamie Yavorsky, jyavorsky@mtsd.us

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