About the Ensembles
McLean High School currently has four outstanding ensembles! The ensembles perform regularly throughout the year in at least five public performances and consistently receive the highest marks at competitions and festivals. Each ensemble is made up of dedicated students who have a passion for music and performing as a group.
The Concert Orchestra is McLean High School's intermediate orchestra. Many of the students have a solid foundation in playing a stringed instrument, though students in the group must have had at least one year of instruction. This ensemble plays standard high school level repertoire throughout the year. Students in concert orchestra should be able to play two octave scales up to 3 sharps and 3 flats and be able to perform at least level III or IV string music. The course offers instruction in the development of intermediate performing skills, including individual playing and ensemble techniques. Students in the course will develop a better understanding of shifting, playing in higher positions, and playing in a variety of styles. The Concert Orchestra performs in at least five concerts each year with one to two evening dress rehearsals outside of class time prior to each concerts. All rehearsals and concerts are required as part of the course. In addition, students in this ensemble are encouraged to attend the orchestra trip in the spring to perform for a competition somewhere on the east coast. There are generally 20 to 30 students in this ensemble.
The Symphonic and Sinfonia Orchestras are two of McLean High School's advanced orchestras. These orchestras for the more advanced string player who can play three octave scales up to 3 sharps and 3 flats and should be able to play level IV or V string music. These courses help students develop technical, ensemble and disciplinary skills necessary for refined rehearsal and performance. The Symphonic and Sinfonia Orchestras perform in at least five concerts each year with one to two evening dress rehearsals outside of class time prior to each concerts. All rehearsals and concerts are required as part of the course. In addition, students in this ensemble are encouraged to attend the orchestra trip in the spring to perform for a competition somewhere on the east coast. There are generally 30-45 students in this ensemble.
The Philharmonic Orchestra is the most advanced orchestra at McLean High School. Students in this ensemble are extremely dedicated musicians, most taking private lessons and participating in various youth orchestras on their chosen instrument or secondary instrument outside of school. The Philharmonic Orchestra performs at least five concerts a year and in addition performing at special events such as school board meetings, school events, community events, and holiday events. No more than 45 students are selected to participate in this ensemble.
The Philharmonic Orchestra for the most advanced level string player, forming the representative string-performing group for the McLean High School. Students are expected to play three octave scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats and as well as VBODA grade level VI+ music, in addition to many more advanced pieces usually performed by colleges and professional orchestras around the world. This course helps students develop technical, ensemble and disciplinary skills necessary for refined rehearsal and performance. In addition to their regular rehearsals during the school day, students are required to attend weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays evenings. Rehearsals and performances both in and out of school are required.
In 2007 and 2019, at the invitation of the Virginia Music Educators Association, the Philharmonic Orchestra (former called McLean Chamber Soloists) performed at the VMEA's coveted annual conference, both of which took place at the Homestead in Warm Springs, VA. In addition, the Philharmonic Orchestra sometimes participates in musical retreats to the Shenandoah Valley over the summer.
The Philharmonic Orchestra has an exchange program with a the Detmolder Jugendorchester from the Christian-Dietrich-Grabbe-Gymnasium in Detmold, Germany. Philharmonic students have the opportunity to travel to Germany and to host German students from year to year. Click HERE to learn more about this special exchange program.
The Philharmonic Orchestra for the most advanced level string player, forming the representative string-performing group for the McLean High School. Students are expected to play three octave scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats and as well as VBODA grade level VI+ music, in addition to many more advanced pieces usually performed by colleges and professional orchestras around the world. This course helps students develop technical, ensemble and disciplinary skills necessary for refined rehearsal and performance. In addition to their regular rehearsals during the school day, students are required to attend weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays evenings. Rehearsals and performances both in and out of school are required.
In 2007 and 2019, at the invitation of the Virginia Music Educators Association, the Philharmonic Orchestra (former called McLean Chamber Soloists) performed at the VMEA's coveted annual conference, both of which took place at the Homestead in Warm Springs, VA. In addition, the Philharmonic Orchestra sometimes participates in musical retreats to the Shenandoah Valley over the summer.
The Philharmonic Orchestra has an exchange program with a the Detmolder Jugendorchester from the Christian-Dietrich-Grabbe-Gymnasium in Detmold, Germany. Philharmonic students have the opportunity to travel to Germany and to host German students from year to year. Click HERE to learn more about this special exchange program.