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 2022-2023

November 3, 7:00 PM - Chorus & String Concert (NHS)
December 22, 7:00 PM - Winter Concert (Newman)
​March 29 - MICCA clinic
April 1 - MICCA Festival @Norwood HS
April 14-16 - Performance Trip to D.C.
May 11, 7:00 PM - Spring Concert (Location TBD)
May 24 - Cabaret (NHS Cafeteria)
​

Concert At​tire

Tuxedo 
  • Black traditional tuxedo 
  • White ruffled shirt & bow tie
  • Black shoes
  • I have a variety of pants and jackets that I can loan to families.  You would be responsible for dry cleaning costs and proper storage during the school year.  Students are responsible for their own white tuxedo shirt, bow tie, cummerbund and black shoes.  
  • You can also purchase tuxedos from SouthEastern or at Keezers in Cambridge.  
Gowns
Any full-length black dress or black slacks and blouse is appropriate,

Southeastern is a company you may use to order a dress. 
  • HANNA is a style we've used extensively over the years.  This dress looks terrific and travels well. 
  • LAUREL is an option for students who prefer to have their shoulders covered. 

Gr​ades

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

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 most choose to play their own cello 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 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