Orchestra

Music

The Cedar Falls Community School District offers orchestra as a co-curricular class in grades 4 through 12. At the elementary schools, we have beginning orchestra and 5/6th grade orchestra. The junior highs each host their own orchestras. The high school orchestra performs works as a full symphony (with woodwinds, brass, and percussion) as well as masterpieces for strings. Students participate in three or more concerts per year for family, friends, and the community. They also participate in elective events such as state orchestras, Solo and Ensemble Festival, Northeast Iowa Honors Orchestra, and the Kennedy Honors Orchestra Festival in Cedar Rapids. We perform diverse music from baroque to classical to pop, rock, and movie music! Orchestra is a rewarding experience for students as they grow in musicianship and citizenship.

Hansen, Lincoln, North Cedar Orchard Hill:

Laurie Busch
laurie.busch@cfschools.org
At Hansen, Lincoln, North Cedar and Orchard Hill, elementary orchestra students work in the Essential Elements series to hone their instrumental technique and musicianship. The Beginning Orchestra is for beginners (mostly fourth graders) who are just starting the journey on their instruments. The Advanced Orchestra (fifth and sixth graders mostly) is for students who have one or more years of playing experience. Our concerts feature a variety of music.

Cedar Heights & Southdale:

Kimberly Tura
319-553-2855 x7011
kim.smith@cfschools.org
At Cedar Heights and Southdale elementary orchestra, students work in the Essential Elements series to hone their instrumental technique and musicianship. The Beginning Orchestra is for beginners (mostly fourth graders) who are just starting the journey on their instruments. The Southside Orchestra (fifth and sixth graders mostly) is for students who have one or more years of playing experience. Our concerts feature a variety of music. Check out our website for performance information and clips from our concerts!

Peet Junior High

Kimberly Tura
319-553-2855 x7011
kim.smith@cfschools.org
The Peet Junior High offers orchestra for two periods of the day. Chamber Orchestra is offered during third period for ninth graders and eighth graders by audition only. String orchestra is offered to students with at least one year of playing experience. The orchestras are known to perform pop and rock music in addition to traditional literature. Visit our website below to learn more about the junior high orchestras in Cedar Falls!

Holmes Junior High

Ann Osborne
319-553-2506
String students have an opportunity to further develop their technical skills at regularly scheduled lessons. In both sectional and full rehearsals for public performances, students become familiar with many musical styles, increasing their understanding and appreciation of music.

The class meets on alternating days, currently on “B” days. School instruments are available for rent, though students are encouraged to acquire their own instruments, particularly the violin and viola. The orchestra strives for continuing musical growth by studying a variety of literature and through preparation of selected works to be publicly performed. There are typically three evening concerts (December, March, May), All City Orchestra Festival (April), three elementary school assembly concerts, a school assembly performance, and special community performances arranged. Orchestra students are required to attend a weekly small group or private lesson, and practice as needed on assigned music.

Cedar Falls High School

Ann Osborne
319-553-2506
The senior high school orchestra strings rehearse daily. Full symphony orchestra rehearses weekly beginning in November with wind and percussion players chosen from the band by the directors based on level of skill and instrumentation needs. String students have an opportunity to further develop their technical skills at regularly scheduled lessons. In both sectional and full rehearsals for public performances, students become familiar with many musical styles, increasing their understanding and appreciation of music. Performances include school concerts, state contests, tours and festivals. Participants in orchestra receive one credit per semester. A total of three music credits may be applied toward graduation requirements. Ensembles are arranged when possible for contest and special performances. Fund-raising activities help students pay for a trip taken every 3rd year in the spring.

https://sites.google.com/a/cfschools.org/cedar-falls-high-school-symphony-orchestra/