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 2021-2022

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.  
  • November 18, 7:00 PM - Chamber Concert
  • December 16, 7:00 PM - Winter Concert
  • April 2, TBD - MICCA Festival
  • May 12, 7:00 PM - Spring Concert​
  • May 25, 6:00 PM - Cabaret
We  have other opportunities throughout the year for interested students including the NHS musical, and District Festivals by audition.  

Attendance Policy
Attendance at all concerts is required.  Any missed performance requires completion of a make-up project.

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Concert At​tire

Gr​ades
Gowns
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.  Tuxedo:
Black suit.  White shirt & bow tie.  

​Students are graded on the following regular assessments
  • Playing tests - recorded and submitted on Classroom
  • Concert Attendance
  • Concert reflections
  • Homework
Students are also assessed on their class musicianship throughout the term.  Musicianship refers to observable class behaviors including: 
  • Preparation
  • Posture
  • ​Bowing
  • Sectional work
  • Focus
  • Class discussions

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.  

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.  

Past Concert Recordings

march_slave.m4a
File Size: 7454 kb
File Type: m4a
Download File

Cabaret "Lose Yourself" 2018