About UA Orchestra
About the UA Orchestra program:
The UA Orchestra program added to a long list of achievements by celebrating our 100th anniversary last year! Our program has been recognized at both state and national levels for excellence.
Orchestra instruction is offered in grades 6-12 and classes meet daily. Students at all levels of the program perform in concerts, take part in Solo & Ensemble festivals, and have the opportunity to travel and participate in additional orchestra events.
The Upper Arlington High School Orchestras tour regularly, having performed in Orlando, the Bahamas, Toronto, New York, and Hawaii. Students in the UAHS Symphony Strings have additionally performed throughout China with the League of Astonishing Strings during the summer of 2013, as well as winning the ASTA National Orchestra Festival in 2007 and placing second in 2014.
About orchestra at Hastings MS & Jones MS:
In middle school, beginning instruction is provided in 6th grade with a focus on supporting students to develop proper instrument position and bow hold, developing music reading skills, and successfully performing on their string instrument. Students with prior experience will have opportunities to utilize their more advanced skills in our program. The 6th and 7th grade orchestras perform 2-3 times during the school year, while the 8th grade orchestra typically perform 5 times with focus on preparation of skills for high school orchestra. Students have the opportunity to participate in various extra-curricular opportunities to supplement their playing experience.
Every two years we take a trip to Chicago with 7th and 8th grade orchestra students where we perform at the Field Museum, participate in a clinic at the Vandercook College of Music, and visit numerous must-see sights around the city. On the years between Chicago trips, we travel to Kings Island with any interested 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestra students for a wonderful day of community building and fun to celebrate the end of the school year!
We would love to have any interested students be part of the rich orchestra tradition in UA! Families are encouraged to reach out to Mr. Huzicka (vhuzicka@uaschools.org) or Mr. King (jking@uaschools.org) with any questions.
