Welcome to the Wilton High School Orchestra Page

The WHS Orchestra program includes two ensembles: The Concert Orchestra, which is open to all students, and Symphonic Orchestra, a selective ensemble open to students in grades 10 through 12 by audition. The two groups also combine to perform together at several performances throughout the year. Students perform string orchestra repertoire from various genres and periods, and also collaborate with wind, brass, and percussion students to perform symphonic repertoire.

The primary goals of both courses are:

To play challenging, high-quality music with artistry and proper technique
To improve understanding of music notation and terminology
To understand the historical context and significance of the music studied in class

Orchestra students will have the opportunity to perform in multiple concerts each year, including the annual Orchestra Spooktacular each October. Other performance opportunities include clinics, competitions, chamber music performances, and the annual music department overnight trip.

For more information, please reach out to directors Malcolm Karlan (karlanm@wiltonps.org) or Angelica Jara (jaraa@wiltonps.org).

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FAQs

Many orchestra students are involved in sports, clubs, advanced classes, and other activities. Rehearsals take place during the school day, so very little out-of-school commitment is required.
Many orchestra students have packed class schedules, but the music staff and the guidance department can help you craft a plan to fit in your music ensemble. WHS has a fantastic collection of elective courses, and while it can be tempting to jump into them all at once, we encourage you to carefully plan your electives over four years to ensure you can continue making progress on the instrument to which you’ve already dedicated so much time and energy
Yes. Students can split their time between two music ensembles if they meet during the same class period.
Orchestra students perform in Formal Concert Black for most performances. Notable exceptions are the Orchestra Spooktacular, where we wear Halloween costumes, and the Pops Concert, when we wear colorful formal clothing.
Students looking for an additional musical challenge are encouraged to join a local youth orchestra, take private lessons, audition for Western Regionals, and join the Tri-M Honors Society.
WHS Music Boosters is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization run by parents and dedicated to supporting quality music education in our school. You can find out more about them here. Their goal is to have 100% of WHS music families join the Music Boosters and money they raise through dues and contributions goes directly to supporting the music program at our school. If your family needs support paying for music related trips/ items please reach out to them through their page about the possibility of full or partial scholarships.
Click the link to visit the Orchestra Handbook and read all about orchestra this year, including a list of key dates and information about grading.