ENSEMBLES
At MHS, the Orchestra includes curricular & co-curricular ensembles. There is a place for every musician in the MHS Orchestra!
Sinfonia
This ensemble continues the musical growth in Cardinal Orchestra
and encourages an increased level of personal development and leadership. There will be expectations for participation and attendance at performances outside of the school day, including, but not limited to: chamber music, solo & ensemble festivals, and evening concerts. Violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, and harpists may enroll in this course.
Pianists should ask the instructor about enrollment.
Cardinal Orchestra
Cardinal Orchestra is a high school entry-level string orchestra consisting of freshmen and sophomores. Through large-group rehearsal and small-group instruction, this ensemble will sharpen skills such as vibrato and shifting and will explore alternative musical styles (jazz, fiddling, etc.). Student participation in chamber music and solo & ensemble festivals is strongly encouraged. A limited number of school instruments are available for a nominal rental fee. There are several performances (generally November, March, April, and May) that require time outside of class.
Symphony Orchestra
This curriculum, through large-group rehearsal and small-group instruction, stresses high-quality standard orchestral literature, personal development, and leadership. There will be expectations for participation and attendance at performances outside of the school day, including, but not limited to chamber music, solo & ensemble festivals, a district tour, and evening concerts. Violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, harpists, and pianists may enroll in this course. Winds, brass, and percussionists will be select are selected from the Wind Ensemble for the full orchestra experience.
Philomusica
Philomusica is defined as a love of music and accurately describes the components that create the MHS Philomusica Orchestra: students who love playing their instruments & enjoy music from many different musical genres!
Philomusica is a co-curricular ensemble open to any string musician at MHS. The repertoire ranges from jazz to show tunes to pop music to the unusual and odd.
No audition is necessary.
Philo meets on Wednesday or Thursday, whichever is the B-Day, starting at the end of September.
Philomusica: Come for the music, stay for the Phun!