PRSD is pleased to have a strong orchestra program with more than 400 participants.
At the high school level, orchestra is an elective course that meets one class period daily. Prior experience is required and private instruction is recommended. The orchestra performs a minimum of four concerts per year. Attendance at these concerts is mandatory. There is an opportunity for students to receive honors credit for participating in orchestra. However, this credit requires extra work and that will be assigned and completed each quarter.
There are opportunities for students to participate in the PMEA District, Regional, and State Orchestra Festivals as well as PMEA Honors Orchestra. There are opportunities to travel with the Pine-Richland High School Orchestra. The group has traveled to and performed in New York City, Chicago, Disney World, and Universal studios in Orlando Florida, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio.
The orchestra performs a wide variety of music including classical, jazz, rock, fiddle, and movie soundtrack arrangements. There are also many opportunities for students to perform in small groups and there is the opportunity to participate in the Pine-Richland Varsity Orchestra club.
Pine-Richland School District offers instruction in playing stringed instruments to students in grades 4-12. Lessons and orchestra are offered at the upper elementary with concerts given at least twice a year.
Lessons on violin, viola, cello and bass are free and given during school hours to 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. Students will have one 30 minute small group lesson and a 45 minute Orchestra Practice once a week (technically every 5 school days.)
