Orchestra

This page is dedicated to the Orchestra parents of the RHS program.  It is designed to be one stop shopping for the modern and busy orchestra parent.  We hope you find it helpful.  The orchestra program has won many accolades, including Honors Ensemble at All State and numerous platinum awards, superior ratings, and first prizes at competition.  Your kids have joined a wonderful community!

Our Program

The Ridgefield High School orchestra program offers two main large ensembles for our orchestra students. The Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Rockestra will have formal campus concerts scheduled for December, January, and May.  Co-curricular opportunities include Chamber Orchestra and Rockestra.   Wind Instruments can also audition to play in Symphonic Orchestra.   

Concert Orchestra is an un-auditioned orchestra open to all students, grade 9-12. The Symphonic Orchestra is open to all students grade 10-12 who have taken Concert Orchestra (as a prerequisite) and passed an audition. The Chamber Orchestra is a co-curricular group that meets every other week on Tuesdays, in the evenings. In addition to these rehearsals, some time is given during class to prepare the repertoire.

Orchestra Calendar

In an effort to make your calendars easy, we have included a one-stop shopping event list specific to the orchestra.  Visit here for the full RHS Music Department.  Some dates are still being finalized and are subject to change.

Orchestra - 2022 Important Dates

Leadership Council Meeting - January 3rd, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - January 4th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

RHS Small Ensemble Concert - January 5th, 2022

Rockestra Rehearsal - January 11th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - January 18th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - January 25th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

RHS/RMS Band/Orch Festival - January 31st & February 1st 2022

RHS/RMS Band/Orch Festival SNOW DATES - February 2nd & February 3rd 2022

Rockestra Rehearsal - February 1st, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Leadership Council Meeting VIRTUAL - February 7th, 2022 - 7-8pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - February 8th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - February 15th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - February 22nd, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - March 1st, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Leadership Council Meeting - March 7th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - March 8th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Concert Orchestra - March 8th, 2022 - 6-9pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - March 15th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - March 22nd, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Symphonic Orchestra - March 22nd, 2022 - 6-9pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - March 29th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Leadership Council Meeting VIRTUAL - April 4th, 2022 - 7-8pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - April 5th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Symphonic Orchestra - April 5th, 2022 - 6-9pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - April 19th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Concert Orchestra - April 19th, 2022 - 6-9pm

Chamber Orchestra - April 20th, 2021 - 6-9pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - April 26th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Symphonic Orchestra - April 26th, 2022 - 6-9pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - May 3rd, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Chamber Orchestra - May 4th, 2021 - 6-9pm

Symphonic Orchestra - May 6th, 2022 - 6-9pm

Leadership Council Meeting - May 9th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - May 10th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - May 17th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - May 24th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - May 31st, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Leadership Council Meeting VIRTUAL - June 6th, 2022 - 7-8pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - June 7th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Rockestra Rehearsal - June 14th, 2022 - 2:30-3:30pm

Festival Orchestra includes musicians both from Symphonic and Concert Orchestra. All dates are rehearsals unless specified.

While we are holding previously scheduled events on the calendar, the dates will likely be revised due to COVID-19.  The same holds true for the department calendar on the high school website.  We and the directors will keep you posted on any changes.

Pay dues

Ridgefield Music Matters asks for $50 per student in dues which covers nearly all of the small expenses for the year in terms of what we provide the kids.  Rehearsal dinners, water for the rehearsal room, senior gifts, banquet decorations, refreshments after concerts, video recordings of concerts, etc.  Rather than ask for small donations at various points, it is just easier for all of us to collect it all at once.  If your family is not financially able to contribute, please let a member of our executive board know.