String Orchestras

We offer 3 levels of string orchestras at San Juan Hills. All levels are UC A-G approved, and are considered the core music class for string musicians. Students wishing to participate in performance only classes such as Marching Band, Pit Orchestra, and Drumline must also be enrolled in one of these 3 core classes. We perform concert literature year-round, but we also offer a full curriculum that includes music theory, history, cultural implications of music, professional application, and all aspects in the state curriculum. This website will be updated throughout the year with pictures, rosters, upcoming events, etc., but for now, descriptions of the 3 classes are below:

String Ensemble

String Ensemble is the entry level core music experience for string musicians. No auditions are required. The following describes most students who choose to be in concert band:

  • Freshmen at a typical development level

  • Developing 10th, 11th, 12th graders

  • Students who meet the requirements for one of the auditioned groups, but play impacted instruments (usually violin, sometimes cello)

  • Students learning an instrument for the first time

  • Students switching instruments

Every year is unique in terms of what level String Ensemble may start with, what method books we use, and how we pace the curriculum. Typically, students should expect to spend 1-2 years in String Orchestra, then audition to the Sinfonia Orchestra. Those who play impacted instruments may spend more time, and students who play instruments in need may spend less time. We normally are short on string bass and viola so if a Freshmen is loaded with violins and no basses, a switch may be the clearest path to the higher level orchestras! The String Ensemble typically performs grade 2-3 literature.

Sinfonia Orchestra

Sinfonia Orchestra is the first level of our 2 auditioned orchestras. Students who perform in the Sinfonia Orchestra are usually:

  • Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors with a proficiency level higher than String Ensemble, but still developing towards Chamber Orchestra

  • Advanced Freshmen

  • Advanced students of all ages who play instruments that are impacted in Chamber Orchestra

  • Advanced students who can’t commit to the extraordinary time-commitment required of Chamber Orchestra

Many students choose stay in Sinfonia Orchestra for 4 years because of commitment level. For students who want an advanced orchestra experience, but are involved in many other activities, they may not have the time to devote to the time commitment that’s expected in Chamber Orchestra. That’s fine. Sinfonia performs at all school concerts, but they have less outside rehearsals and festivals outside of SJHHS. For students with concerns about conflicts, regardless of ability level, Sinfonia is a great ensemble for them. Sinfonia Orchestra typically plays grade 4 literature.

Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra is the top, auditioned orchestra for string students. Students choosing to audition for Chamber Orchestra are also committing to a higher expectation of time commitment - both in practice expectations and performances. Private lessons are not a requirement to be in Chamber Orchestra, but lessons are encouraged for students to reach and maintain the expectation level of this orchestra. Students in Chamber are mostly Junior and Seniors, with a few Sophomores. For the most part, Freshmen start in String Ensemble unless they show exceptional ability on an instrument in need. Chamber Orchestra also combines with the Wind Ensemble to create our Symphony Orchestra. The Chamber Orchestra prepares both elite level string and fully orchestra works year-round, and typically perform literature grade 5+.