Middle School

Students in grades 5-8 can choose to enroll in a year-long orchestra course as their Fine Arts elective. Our students build on the music skills they learned in Lower School, while beginning to transfer these skills to either violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students in 5th and 6th grades are grouped in ensembles by grade level to provide differentiated instruction in beginning technique, while students in 7th & 8th grades are enrolled in the Middle School Concert Orchestra and tackle more challenging repertoire. Students perform throughout the year at the Middle School Christmas Concert, the Carowinds Festival of Music, the SCISA Music Festival, and the Middle School Spring Concert.

High School

Students in grades 9-12 may enroll in High School Orchestra to fulfill their Fine Arts graduation requirements. Students build advanced skills in reading music notation and analyzing musical concepts across a diverse body of repertoire while refining their skills on a specific instrument. Students who enroll in High School Orchestra for multiple years qualify for honors credit and are prepared to audition for the South Carolina Philharmonic Youth Orchestra or for music scholarships at the university level. Students perform at multiple events, including the High School Christmas Concert, the Carowinds Festival of Music, the SCISA Music Festival, and the High School Spring Concert. Additionally, students have the opportunity to audition for the SCMEA All-Region and All-State Orchestras.

Orchestra is such a good class because we get to produce good music for God's glory and for other people's enjoyment.

-William, Class of 2028