Community Symphony (MACCS)
This is a new community orchestra designed for advanced high school students through high-performing amateur musicians looking who are seeking an advanced Symphony experience. This is a great ensemble for current high school students in their school's auditioned orchestra, college students who were high performing musicians in high school who are not playing music in college, college music majors who have some spare time and want to play more great music, adult community members with a strong musical background (former music majors, music teachers, etc.), and professionals who have Sunday evenings free and want to play for fun (sorry, we're new and have no budget!).
This orchestra is an extension of our Summer orchestra, which has performed for 3 seasons. Some musical selections include Pines of Rome, Dvorak 9, Pictures at an Exhibition, and Scheherezade (among other great, fun works not quite at that difficulty level). You can find recordings of previous groups at: It started as an alumni orchestra, but grew to include some very talented musicians in the community who expressed interest in continuing the orchestra year-round. We will still offer a summer orchestra, which allows for students who are away for college, and this orchestra is an extra experience for those who live locally and want a major symphonic experience.
We started a non-profit organization, Music Academy of Capistrano (Mac) and started a youth orchestra intended for middle school and younger high school musicians. Things are working well, and we will run this orchestra under that umbrella. We are still working out a budget for this orchestra, but we will likely ask for a nominal donation ($100 or so). We will not exclude anyone for inability to pay. We currently have a concert scheduled for Sunday, May 23rd. We will rehearse 2 Sundays per month from 6:30-8:30. The Sundays are listed below. Depending on the signups, we may explore a 2nd concert around March.
Because this is new, I will schedule a meeting in late 2026. We will analyze the signups and make literature decisions that match the instrumentation and desires of the group. If strings are light, maybe it becomes a band for the first year. Maybe we work heavily on chamber music. Maybe a bunch of people sign up and we do a Tchaikovsky Symphony. The options are limitless, and signups will determine what we do this first year. My hope is that SOMETHING happens that gives us something to build on that we can offer year-round. I need YOU to help promote the orchestra. Summer members, please share your experience and help build the orchestra.
The ultimate goal of this orchestra is FUN. My definition of fun is also playing great literature at a high level! Those who know me know that I keep a relaxed rehearsal atmosphere and treat the group like amateur adults who are volunteering their time for fun, but I also have high expectations so members can enjoy the richness of great orchestra literature and feel he pride of performing the greatest works from master composers.
Please fill out the form below regardless of your interest level (you'll be able to choose between a commitment and just showing interest). You'll also have an opportunity to suggest literature. I"m doing this for 1 reason only - it's FUN! I LOVE what I do with my high school students, and we regularly play 'top shelf' literature. I met some wonderful adult musicians over the summers who are also wanting that experience, but have few options. Music performance should be a life-long venture for everyone - not just professionals, and it's a joy to provide that service for a very talented niche of musicians that often get overlooked. Let's do this!
Dean McElroy (Mac)
Rehearsal Calendar - all rehearsals are Sundays 6:30-8:30PM at San Juan Hills High School
January 10, 24
February 7, 21
March 7, 21
April 11, 25
May 16, Concert 23