Orchestra
Ensembles
String Orchestra
Kennedy String Orchestra is Kennedy’s prep orchestra, and is open to all students who play a string instrument. There is no audition required.
All freshmen students who enter the orchestra program at Kennedy perform in the String Orchestra during their first semester, then may audition for Symphony Orchestra if they meet the performance requirements.
String Orchestra focuses on the development and improvement of technique, musicianship, style, music theory, and history through the study of diverse repertoire appropriate for developing student orchestras. String Orchestra performs at all orchestra concerts at Kennedy and also at various events throughout the community.
Symphony Orchestra
Kennedy Symphony Orchestra is Kennedy’s top orchestra, open to students who have had prior experience performing in orchestra. There is an audition required to participate.
Symphony Orchestra focuses on development and improvement of advanced technique, musicianship, style, knowledge of music history, and theory through the study and performance of advanced student and professional orchestral literature. Symphony Orchestra performs at all orchestra concerts at Kennedy and also throughout the community.
Later in the year, woodwind, brass and percussion students from the band join us to perform in our winter and spring concerts.
Both orchestras have the opportunity to tour and perform. Tours have gone to such places as New York, Chicago, and Orlando.
Honors Orchestra Festival
Kennedy’s Honor Orchestra Festival, held in early March, is open to students in grades 6-9. The mission of the Honor Orchestra is to provide an outstanding musical experience for younger musicians who desire an extra challenge.
There are three orchestras in this festival. The Green and Gold orchestras are of equal ability and are open to students who have the equivalent playing ability of Suzuki Book 3 or above (those selected for first violin must be secure in 3rd position).
The Chamber Orchestra requirements are much more selective and are as follows:
Violin, Viola, Cello: Suzuki book 6 or higher. Violas should be comfortable reading treble clef, cellos can read tenor clef.
Bass: Comfortable in all positions up to thumb with secure shifting technique and intonation. Tenor clef reading may also be required.
Directors are invited to nominate their students whose ability level meets the requirements. Please rank your students in the order they should be selected, no matter their grade level (i.e. there can only be one #1 ranked student per school). The director’s #1 ranked student will automatically be selected. Priority will be given to last piece studied as well as grade in school.
Symphonic Rock
Each May, the Kennedy Orchestra electrifies its strings and presents a Symphonic Rock Concert. We invite guest rock musicians to join us and perform popular music from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today. We are the only high school in the metro area to host such an event. The community looks forward to this every year.