About the VYS Orchestras

Violin bow

Rehearsals are typically held every Monday night from 6 – 8 p.m. throughout the school year. All orchestras rehearse in person at Mica Mountain HS.

There will be no rehearsals on non-school days, according to the Vail School District Student Calendar.

String Orchestra

The String Orchestra is open to our developing string players who have had at least one year of experience on their instrument. Students in this Orchestra will learn how to play in an ensemble setting, work on posture and technique, and develop their intonation within a group. Members of the String Orchestra perform in all the formal concerts.

Chamber Orchestra

The Chamber Orchestra is open to intermediate through advanced players.  While enrolled in the Chamber Orchestra, students will focus on more advanced rhythms and time signatures, fine-tune intonation and shifting on their instruments, play in more difficult key signatures, and develop musicality and expression within a group setting.  Students will learn how their individual playing contributes to the orchestral sound, and how to develop awareness of melody, harmony, counter-melody parts.  Members of the Chamber Orchestra perform in all formal concerts and have opportunities to play in other community performances.

Symphony Orchestra

The Symphony Orchestra is a full symphony including strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion. This ensemble serves our most advanced students. Students continue to hone musical skills through performance – repertoire is carefully selected to improve skills such as rhythm, intonation, expression and techniques specific to their instrument. Members of the Symphony Orchestra perform in all formal concerts and have opportunities to play in other community performances.