The Needham High School String Ensemble is open to all students in grades 9-12. The Chamber Orchestra is our select ensemble chosen by audition in April each year. We perform several concerts throughout the year, travel to regional festivals annually, and tour internationally every four years.
Schedule 2019-2020
The String ensemble has six required concerts this year. Attendance is included in your grade. A String Concert may be added during the week of March 24 - more details soon.
Attendance Policy
Anticipated absences must be communicated via email in october to be excused. Any missed performance requires completion of a make-up project, however, unexcused absences will not receive a grade.
- November 19, String Concert with Pollard, NHS auditorium, 7:00
- December 6, Winterfest
- December 19, Winter Concert with Chorus, NHS auditorium, 7:00
- April 3, MICCA, After School, Location TBD
- May 7, Spring Concert, NHS, 7:00
- May 20, Banquet and Cabaret 6-9, NHS auditorium
Attendance Policy
Anticipated absences must be communicated via email in october to be excused. Any missed performance requires completion of a make-up project, however, unexcused absences will not receive a grade.
Concert Attire |
Grades |
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Women:
Women wear a full-length black dress or black slacks and blouse. You may include a colorful accessory. If you wish, you may purchase a dress from Stage Accents. Purchasing a dress is not required, however, finding a full length gown in the department stores can be difficult. Some students prefer to cover their shoulders, and that is also an option you will see. Men: Men wear tuxes or a dark suit. White shirt & bow tie. |
Students are graded on the following regular assessments
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Housekeeping
All students must have an instrument every day that we meet. We do own a limited number of string instruments and loan them for rehearsals, Cellos are provided for school rehearsals and concerts, although some choose to play their own instrument in concerts. Students are responsible for having an instrument every day.. Lockers are provided for violins and violas,
Students are responsible for maintaining their own instrument. Regularly check your instrument for openings, make sure strings are in good condition, and replace bow hair as needed. All violin and viola players should carry an extra set of strings, especially when we travel. There are many places that provide supplies and repairs. Here are two that I highly recommend.
Students are responsible for maintaining their own instrument. Regularly check your instrument for openings, make sure strings are in good condition, and replace bow hair as needed. All violin and viola players should carry an extra set of strings, especially when we travel. There are many places that provide supplies and repairs. Here are two that I highly recommend.
Travels, Tours, and the future.
The String Ensemble travels with the NHS music Department every other year to a regional destination such as New York City, and every fourth year embarks on an international tour. Check the Tours page for information on our upcoming trip to Prague in April 2020.
Past Concert Recordings
| march_slave.m4a |
Cabaret "Lose Yourself" 2018
