ORCHESTRA

The high school orchestras are curricular classes (1 credit) that accept all string instruments (violin, viola, cello, double bass, and harp) under the direction of Mr. Roberto Iriarte. The orchestras rehearse daily as a orchestra to review, maintain and refine pedagogical techniques for bowed string instrument performance. There are 2 orchestras: Chamber Orchestra (by audition) and Sinfonietta.

The orchestras perform a minimum of 4 formal concerts throughout the school year plus additional performances at festivals, OMEA competitions, elementary school concerts and community events. Literature chosen for the orchestra comes from the standard orchestral repertoire including selections on the Ohio Music Educators Association Contest List and Prescribed Lists by the American String Teachers Association. Solo & Ensemble contest is strongly encouraged to develop individual skills and small group skills in Chamber Music (small ensembles of 2-8 players). Soloists and Chamber groups may also have additional opportunity to perform as a supplement to the large group experience for performances at school and community events.

Symphonic Orchestra including woodwinds, brass and percussion may be a part of the orchestral experience for some Chamber performances at the discretion of the orchestra director. Membership in the Full Orchestra (woodwinds, brass and percussion) is contingent upon enrollment in top concert band and recommendation of the head band director. An audition may also be required. These spots in the orchestra are very limited and are considered an honors position in the orchestra program. The wind and percussion section rehearses outside the school day and requires advanced technical proficiency as well as mature musical thought.

Hudson Music Association parent volunteers work with Mr. Iriarte to provide Fun and Fundraising opportunities for these talented string students. Please consider offering your talents through this organization; all parents who have a student enrolled in the HHS Orchestras are automatically members of HHSMA. Hard earned fundraising dollars support the orchestra program. Student uniforms are provided by HHSMA Orchestra funds so that students can rent them at affordable rates and have the correct size throughout the year. Some school-owned instruments are provided for daytime rehearsals and maintained in top condition. We have fundraising initiatives planned that will rebuild the trip fund after our successful 2020 NYC trip. Traditionally, the orchestras travel bi-annually; some years the travel is domestic and other years, they may travel Internationally. Fundraising monies also cover the cost for group State Contest fees and miscellaneous expenses that allow the program to run smoothly.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Uniform Committee - 10-12 volunteers to assist several times a year with fittings, organization and collection of uniforms

Cookie Baker – 6-8 volunteers to bake goodies to be served after the December concert

Football Concessions  - 60 volunteer spaces available during the season to sell/prepare food at the concession booths

Tag Day – parent drivers, the more parents we have representing orchestra, the greater the $$$ earned for the Orchestra Program

Orchestra Fundraising – committee members to oversee planning and execution of fundraising events

OMEA State Contest - 20-40 volunteers needed to work over the course of this 2-day event in February each year

As always, we need many volunteers to work with the Hudson Music Association to raise monies to provide support for our music programs. Please contact Heather House and Deb Landefeld to see how you can become involved! Orchestravp.hhsma at gmail.com.