Performance Ensembles

Senior Orchestra (Grades 7-12)*

Conducted by Music Director William C. White, the Senior Orchestra is designed for middle and high school students who demonstrate a high level of music reading ability and technical mastery of their instrument. Students are placed into the Senior Orchestra by audition. The senior orchestra's repertoire is grounded in a survey of the major periods of classical music, though our concerts regularly feature works of orchestral jazz, musical theater, and film music.

During the Spring concert cycle, the Senior Orchestra is divided into chamber ensembles of three to six members. These chamber ensembles challenge students with increased individual responsibility and the absence of a conductor. Experience with chamber music is a beneficial counterpart to our full orchestra program, and develops skills that are important for lifelong music making. These groups perform at the Spring Benefit recital.

The Senior Orchestra rehearses Thursday afternoons from 4:30-6:30 pm.

The tuition for the Senior Orchestra is $420/year. This amount is all-inclusive, and the HPYS year runs from September through May. Some need-based financial aid is available. Download a copy of the tuition policy (pdf).

Intermediate Orchestra (Grades 5-8)*

The Intermediate Orchestra is designed for string and wind players who have sufficient training on their instruments to participate in an orchestra setting. Led by Dan McDonald, program focuses on improving students' music-reading skills, reinforces technical fundamentals, and provides the musical peer motivation that can make such a difference to young players.

The Intermediate Orchestra joins the Intermediate Orchestra and Senior Symphony to perform a joint piece on each concert.

The Intermediate Orchestra rehearses Thursday afternoons from 5:30-6:30 pm.

The tuition for the Senior Intermediate is $315/year. This amount is all-inclusive, and the HPYS year runs from September through May. Some need-based financial aid is available. Download a copy of the tuition policy (pdf).

Junior Strings (Grades 2-6)*

The Junior Strings program is designed for students who have at least six to twelve months of instruction on their instrument. Led by longtime string teacher John Tredon, this group is a chamber ensemble made up of young violinists, violists, and cellists who work on improving their skills and get their first chance playing in a group. The repertoire is tailor-made to the ensemble, ensuring that each student can make the maximum progress.

The Junior Strings join the Intermediate Orchestra to perform a joint piece on each concert.

The Junior Strings rehearse Thursday afternoons from 5:30-6:30 pm.

The tuition for the Junior Strings is approximately $315/year. This amount is all-inclusive, and the HPYS year runs from September through May. Some need-based financial aid is available. Download a copy of the tuition policy (pdf).

* These grade designations serve as a general guideline for placement; students may be placed in any ensemble based on experience and ability, at the discretion of the music director. Students who are younger than 2nd grade who have adequate experience on their instrument may be accepted as well.