The Needham High School String Orchestra is open to all students in grades 9-12.  We perform several times each year, travel to regional festivals annually, and tour internationally every four years.  

Past Concert Recordings

march_slave.m4a
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File Type: m4a
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mahler_1_mov._2.mp3
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File Type: mp3
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Schedule 2018-2019

The String ensemble has six required concerts this year.  Attendance is included in your grade.  
  • December 7,  Winterfest
  • December 20, Winter Concert, NHS, 7:00
  • April 5, MICCA, time and place TBD
  • April 9, Stringfest, NHS 7:00
  • May 9, Spring Concert, NHS, 7:00
  • May 22, Banquet and Cabaret 6-9
We  have other opportunities throughout the year for interested students such as the Chamber Concert, NHS musical, and District Festivals by audition.  

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 At​tire

Gr​ades
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
  • 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.  We are currently planning a tour of Prague for Spring 2020.  

Parent Confirmation

tParents: please fill out this form

"Lose Yourself" 2018