In Community Consolidated School District 89, all students are invited to participate in the orchestra program once they are in fourth grade. No previous experience is necessary.  

Group lessons

Group lessons are the primary component to the orchestra program in Community Consolidated School District 89. Students will receive one lesson per week (30 minutes elementary, 42 minutes middle school). Students will be placed in lesson groups according to growth goals, grade level, and orchestra assignment. The lesson schedule will be handed out at the beginning of the school year. Arrangements for underperforming students with academic concerns will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Ensemble Descriptions

Primo Orchestra - fourth grade

Primo Orchestra is for all first-year orchestra members. Students from all four elementary schools will meet Tuesdays after-school for 45 minutes to rehearse as a full ensemble. Students from Arbor View and Briar Glen will have rehearsals at Arbor View Elementary. Students from Park View and Westfield will have rehearsals at Westfield Elementary. Rehearsals run from March through May. There are two concerts during the school year, one in December and the other in May. There is one concert during the school year in May.

Prelude Orchestra - fifth grade

Prelude Orchestra is for all second-year orchestra members. Students from all four elementary schools will meet Mondays after school for 45 minutes at Glen Crest Middle School to rehearse as a full ensemble. Rehearsals run from October through December, then again from March through May. There are two concerts during the school year: one in December and the other in May.

Intermediate Orchestra – sixth grade

Intermediate Orchestra is for all third-year orchestra members. This ensemble meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during 7th period (ACE). Students are welcome to audition for the Concert or Chamber orchestras, but this would be in addition to Intermediate Orchestra. In addition to our December and May concerts, this ensemble performs at school assemblies, an elementary school tour, and other field trips throughout the school year.

Concert Orchestra – seventh and eighth grades

Concert Orchestra is for all fourth- and fifth-year orchestra members. Concert Orchestra meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7:10 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. In addition to the December and May concerts, this ensemble performs at school assemblies, an elementary school tour, Stringfest (biennial), and other field trips throughout the school year.

Chamber Orchestra – by audition only / private lessons encouraged

This orchestra is open to all orchestra students at Glen Crest Middle School by audition. This group meets Mondays and occasional Wednesdays after school until the late bus. In order to audition, the student should to see Mrs. Kline or Mr. Ladendorf for information. If you are interested in private lessons and do not have a teacher, please ask Mrs. Kline or Mr. Ladendorf for more information. This orchestra performs at the December and May concerts, as well as numerous community events throughout the school year.