How many orchestra groups are there?

• 9th Grade Orchestra - Ensemble for all 9th Graders who play violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students develop skills in tone production, phrasing, rhythmic and aural acuity, and the advancement of technical skills such as shifting, vibrato, bow control, and posture. Strings Only, No Audition, 9th Grade Only

• Concert Orchestra - For intermediate to advanced students of String instruments. Students develop skills in tone production, phrasing, rhythmic and aural acuity, and the advancement of technical skills. Continuation from 9th Grade Orchestra. Open to 10th, 11th, 12th

• Symphony Orchestra - This year-long performing ensemble is for advanced students of String, Wind, Brass, and Percussion instruments. Students develop advanced skills in tone production, phrasing, rhythmic and aural acuity, and the advancement of technical skills. Audition Only, Open to 10th, 11th, 12th

What do I wear for a concert? (Concert Attire)

In all orchestras, all musicians wear a mid-calf or longer black skirt or black slacks, a black dress shirt or top with sleeves, and black shoes with hose or black socks. Symphony Orchestra musicians may also choose to wear a black suit or tux with white shirt, a black bowtie, black socks, and black dress shoes. Ensure that shoulders and ankles are covered – the dress code is formal and uniform so that we convey a sense of the special nature of our performance as well as the collaboration and teamwork intrinsic to the music we are making.

Where are the concerts held and at what time?

Concerts are held at the Quincy Jones Performance Center on the Garfield campus. Concerts are typically scheduled on Thursdays at 7P with call-time for student performers at 6:30PM. Attendance is mandatory. Additional concerts events are held throughout the year as part of Winter Waltz (held in January) and Senior Concertos (held in May) and these events along with festival trips and participation are held off school grounds.

Do the ensembles travel for outside school performances or festivals?

Yes! Performance is a key component of the high school orchestra experience. We participate each year in the Western Washington University State Orchestra Festival in March for all orchestra ensembles. The festival is a wonderful opportunity to see and compete with other area high schools and be adjudicated by expert conductors and educators. Every other year, the Symphony Orchestra also prepares for a Spring Trip performance visiting an out of state festival and/or performance. In the spring of 2023, the Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band traveled to Southern California and participated in adjudicated sessions at University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music and with Disney Studios. Most in-state festival trip fees are covered by the Friends of Garfield Music and free for students. Overnight and/or out-of-state travel involves additional costs with scholarship and financial assistance offered by Friends of Garfield Music. Parent volunteers are key to supporting and planning these special performances.