About the Orchestras

---

The three orchestras that meet during the regular school day at BGHS are Chamber Orchestra (period 6), Symphony Orchestra (period 5), and Concert Orchestra (period 4).  One is NOT "better" than the others – but rather each orchestra has specific goals and opportunities for all students involved.

Concert Orchestra is an orchestra that works heavily on technique, tone, theory, and musicianship with performing mostly as an individual group.  This orchestra is the orchestra that all freshmen enter upon arrival in high school and is open to upper grade levels – primarily grades 10 and 11.  Concert Orchestra meets during Period 4, with Lunch Period 5.

Chamber Orchestra is meant for students who want to excel in orchestra, perform very difficult music, are willing to put in the time it takes to practice this music, and be a leader.  This orchestra is mostly juniors and seniors, but is open to all grade levels by audition only.  Chamber Orchestra members also play the music of Symphony Orchestra.  Chamber Orchestra meets Period 6, with Lunch Period 5 with the ability to rehearse Period 5 with Symphony Orchestra instead of Period 6.

Symphony Orchestra is a larger orchestra that uses a variety of levels of music to enhance technique, musicianship, and leadership in all players.  This orchestra is only sophomores, juniors, and seniors.  Symphony Orchestra meets during Period 5, with Lunch Period 4 or 6.


Other Groups offered at BGHS:

Small Ensembles are put together for the solo/ensemble festival in April.  During the preparation for Solo/Ensemble the orchestra director assigns all students to a small ensemble.  Students who want to be a part of a small ensemble on a regular basis are encouraged to do so.