<p>Papajaja a while back asked about Smith's Fall Orchestra concert. I've just heard the CD's for both the Fall Concert and Vespers (Winter Concert). The former sounded pretty good...there were some clunkers in the latter; D says "not enough practice."</p>
<p>Btw, if you play trumpet, trombone, tuba, euphonium, or double bass (and plan to continue) I think your chances for admission would be enhanced.</p>
<p>Btw, for those instruments, I think you need to be able to bring your own. I don't think the orchestra owns any...and a lot of high school programs provide the large instruments to their students so many students don't have them, even if they play them.</p>
<p>!!! That does sound promising.<br>
What kind of pieces do the orchestra/wind ensemble play? Also, do you happen to know what level (grade) the pieces they play are?<br>
Thank you.</p>
<p>D says the Wind Ensemble plays Grade IV or so, the Orchestra Grade V. Her hs orchestra played more difficult music but it was an <em>extremely</em> strong orchestra program...for instance, more than 1/4 of this year's top orchestra is in the State Honors Orchestra...for California. </p>
<p>She says that the Wind Ensemble is only three years old and is more recreational.
The orchestra would be stronger if there were more rehearsals. Very good musicians but timing and cohesion issues.</p>
<p>For Fall, orchestra pieces included "Night on Bald Mountain" and Brahms' "Academic Festival Overture." For Spring, their work includes a couple of Beethoven pieces, "Choral Phantaisie" and the entire 9th Symphony.</p>
<p>At a recent concert, the Wind Ensemble played Sousa's "Hippodrome March." Hope that helps.</p>
<p>That does help a lot, thank you very much!</p>