INFORMATION FOR 8TH GRADERS

If you are a string player planning on attending LZHS as a freshman, there is a place for YOU in the orchestra program!  This page was created in hopes of answering some frequently asked questions about orchestra at LZHS.  If you need more information, e-mail Elizabeth Jones and you will get a speedy response.

Q: How many students are in orchestra at LZHS?

A: For the 2006-07 school year there are 87 students enrolled in either Symphony Orchestra or Concert Orchestra.  This number has increased steadily over the past few years.  In addition, select members of the LZHS band program perform with the orchestras to create a full orchestra experience.  This brings the number of LZHS students who perform in an orchestra to over 110.

Q: How many different orchestras are there?  How is membership in each group determined?

A: First of all, every student with prior playing experience is welcome in the orchestra program.  We have two orchestras, Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra, which meet during the school day.  Symphony Orchestra is our elite performing group and is by audition.  Concert Orchestra is open to all players, 9-12.  Symphony Orchestra is now an honors credit class and is open to 10-12th graders.  Concert Orchestra students audition in the spring for placement in the following year's orchestras.  Placement is determined based on the student's potential for musical development and the desire to have two groups, roughly equal in size, both with balanced instrumentation.

Q: As a freshman, is it possible for me to play in Symphony Orchestra?

No, Symphony Orchestra is open to 10-12th graders and is now an honors level class.  Concert Orchestra is a very fine group and provides the fundamentals and reinforcement most freshmen need to have a successful musical experience and develop essential leadership skills.

Q: If I am in Concert Orchestra as a freshman, will I move up to Symphony Orchestra as a sophomore?

A: Maybe, but not necessarily.  Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors may be in Concert Orchestra based on their individual needs as a musician, and the instrumentation needs of both groups.

Q: Do I get a grade and credit for orchestra?

A: Yes!  Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra are classes, just like Algebra or World History.  You earn a grade and credit towards graduation.

Q: What is Strolling Strings, and how do I join?

A: Strolling Strings is our co-curricular string ensemble.  It rehearses outside of the school day (one evening per week, so as not to conflict with sports and most activities).  Strolling Strings performs at parties, ceremonies, and community events on some evenings and weekends.  The group plays a wide variety of music, from light classics to show tunes to jazz and fiddle pieces.  Strolling Strings is a fun and exciting way to keep playing outside of class!

Because we learn a large amount of music, Strolling Strings membership is by audition.  This year auditions will be held in the spring.  All string and piano players currently completing grades 8-11 are welcome to audition.  More information will be available soon!

Webmaster: Matt Winkelman

Updated: 9/28/06