The ORCHESTRAS of D101

Grades 4-8

Orchestra is M-U-S-I-C! 

M aking music with a family of lifelong friends. 

U nderstanding how commitment and dedication can lead to success.  

S haring the joy and rewards of working together. 

I ndividuals who develop self-confidence. 

C reativity – expressing yourself in a universal language. 

-Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

Orchestra is not only a class to learn to play a string instrument! In orchestra, we become part of a community that inspires lifelong learning. Your child's success in education will flourish in many ways as a result of learning in the orchestra classroom.

We know that music students represent the top of the academic scale in our schools. Orchestra students typically enjoy a successful high school career, go on to college, and become the leaders in our society. There is a definite link between the top achiever academically and the orchestra student. 

When you instill self-discipline via participation in your orchestra to your child, they grow in a variety of ways. Their social skills, communication skills, self concept, cooperative talents and creative mind will all be nurtured through their study of instrumental music. These life skills will serve as an important foundation as they take on various responsibilities in their future.  Please refer to the Orchestra Handbook for more information.

Important Dates

BOLDED CONCERTS ARE REQUIRED please make a note on your family calendar.

Elementary Orchestra Dates

  • Wed., Sept. 13 - 5th grade rehearsals begin at McClure 7:30-8:15AM

  • Thursday, Dec. 7 Holiday Concert (5th only)

  • Wednesday, Jan. 10 - 4th grade rehearsals begin at McClure 3:45-4:30pm

  • Thursday, Feb. 29 Winter Orchestra Concert (4th & 5th)

  • Saturday, Mar. 9 Solo & Ensemble Festival (5th only)

  • Thursday, May 9 Spring Band/Orchestra Concert (4th & 5th)

  • May 21 - Field Park Pizza Party (4th & 5th)

  • May 22 - Forest Hills Pizza Party (4th & 5th)

  • May 23 - Laidlaw Pizza Party (4th & 5th)

McClure Orchestra Dates

  • Tuesday, Sept. 5 - 7/8th gr. rehearsals begin 7:25-8:10AM

  • Monday, Oct. 2 ILMEA audition due (select students)

  • Thursday, Oct. 5 - Alternative Strings Auditions

  • Thursday, Oct. 26- End of 1st Quarter recording day during period 10 (6th/7th/8th)

  • Thur., Nov. 2 - Orchestra Workshop at LTHS (8th Grade)

  • Saturday, Nov. 4 - ILMEA Festival (select students)

  • Thursday, Dec. 7- Holiday Concert 7pm McClure gym

  • Mon., Jan. 22 - Orchestra Festival at LTHS (7th Grade)

  • Thursday, Feb. 29- Winter Orchestra Concert 7pm McClure gym

  • Saturday, March 9- LT Solo/Ensemble Festival (encouraged but not required)

  • Thurs., April 18- Tour to D101 Elementary Schools (Symphonic Orchestra)

  • Thursday, May 9- Alternative Strings and Jazz Band concert with 4th and 5th gr band/orchestra concert, 7pm McClure gym

  • Sat., May 11- Great America Celebration trip

  • Thurs., May 16- Spring JH Band/Orchestra Concert 7pm McClure gym

  • May TBD- 8th gr B & O end Celebration trip