Meet the Orchestras

Concert Orchestra is also known as the "Freshman Orchestra." Most freshmen are enrolled in this orchestra to become acquainted with high school performance techniques and expectations. While many students in this orchestra have played their instruments since the fourth grade, students with less performance experience are most certainly welcomed.

Photo courtesy of Tom O'Brien

Chamber Orchestra is composed mostly of sophomores. Students continue to refine shifting and vibrato and expand their range. Students auditioning for this class should have outstanding position, be able to comfortably play a three-octave G major scale (two octaves for bass) beautifully in tune, and demonstrate a mature tone in a performance piece up to fourth position.

Photo courtesy of Tom O'Brien

Intermezzo Orchestra is an advanced level class designed for students who are comfortable with compound meters, able to perform up to a three-octave A minor scale (two octaves for bass), and demonstrate a mature sense of tone and phrasing in a performance piece up to fifth position. Students will be able to perform VBODA Grade V (out of six) music by the end of the year.

Photo courtesy of Tom O'Brien

Sinfonietta is an advanced level class with a large senior class population. Students entering this course can comfortably perform a three-octave B flat major scale (two octaves for bass), are able to play beyond fifth position in performance pieces, and approach the artistry level in their performance. The culminating class for many, by the end of the year students should feel comfortable joining some form of community, religious, or college orchestra in addition to playing on their own or in small ensembles.

Photo courtesy of Tom O'Brien

Vivace Orchestra focuses on the techniques necessary to perform professional level music. Students should be able to play all three-octave major and minor scales up to three sharps and three flats (two octaves for bass). Students need to have a serious commitment to their performance in order to play in this class. Students in the class are strongly encouraged to audition for our Symphony Orchestra and Senior District Orchestra and take private lessons (though not required).

Photo courtesy of Tom O'Brien

Philharmonic is the most advanced orchestra at Centreville High School, performing professional level music. Students should be prepared to audition on all three-octave major and minor scales (two octaves for bass). Students enrolled in this class must be enrolled in the Symphony Orchestra and are highly encouraged to audition for the Senior Regional Orchestra or Senior District Orchestra and take private lessons (though not required). This is a highly competitive orchestra and requires a high level of commitment.

Photo courtesy of Tom O'Brien

The Centreville High School Symphony Orchestra is one of only a handful of full symphony (band and strings) classes offered at the high school level in the Commonwealth. All orchestra and band students may audition for this class at the end of October (after Marching Band season). Students who audition successfully for Symphony receive a high school credit but must be co-enrolled in a string orchestra or band class. Students playing in Philharmonic are required to be in Symphony. Students play a wide range of music, from great traditional symphonic works to movie themes to pop selections.

Photo courtesy of Tom O'Brien