Welcome to the Roosevelt High School Orchestra. We have three orchestras under the direction of Anna Edwards that include about 100 students: Concert Orchestra (strings), Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra.
Each ensemble concentrates on either string orchestra and chamber literature or, symphonic repertoire. The RHS Symphony and Chamber Orchestras frequently earn top honors at local, state, and regional festivals. Graduates of the Orchestra program regularly gain admission to elite music Conservatories and Universities across the country including Julliard, Manhattan, Oberlin, Harvard, Eastman, Northwestern, Cleveland Institute, University of Southern California, and the University of Washington.
RHS Chamber Music Recital - Wednesday March 3
7:00-9:00 pm in the RHS Orchestra Room
“Come one, Come all!”
A variety of RHS Orchestra members will be sharing some of their ensemble pieces. All orchestra families and students are encouraged to attend, even if their child is not performing that evening. This evening will include selections from string groups, woodwinds, etc, is certain to offer a variety of styles and some very exciting music!
The students will be delighted to have a good-sized audience, particularly as these chamber groups are "psyching up” and honing their performance skills in preparation for the upcoming “Solo and Ensemble” Contest to be held March 6th. (see below)
Solo and Ensemble Contest: Saturday March 6th
8 am - 4 pm at Roosevelt High School (various rooms)
The Solo and Ensemble Contest is sponsored by WMEA (Washington Music Educator’s Association). Groups and soloists of every instrument will be gathering from Seattle area high schools to compete at this annual event. Our region, called “Elliot Bay”, is one of 10 regions around Washington who participate. So listeners can observe students not only from RHS, but from Ingraham, Garfield, Bishop Blanchet, Nathan Hale, and more.
Judges are enlisted to adjudicate soloists, and also there are 2 ensemble categories for strings; woodwinds, brass, and vocal ensembles. Many families find it very interesting to sit in the classroom and watch the performances. Judges are charged with the challenge of choosing their ‘top choices” in each category to compete at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest which will be held April 23 and 24th at Central Washington University.
The schedule for the day will be posted on the RHS orchestra room door by Friday February 12th.
Side by Side Concert with Seattle Symphony Orchestra - January 21 - 7:30 pm
We were all treated to a spectacular concert this evening performed by the RHS Symphony Orchestra and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. WOW! It was fantastic! Bravo to all the students who participated. Thank you to the SSO for bringing this opportunity to RHS. Thank you to our wonderful Anna Edwards who prepared the students so well. Thank you to all the parents who brought bake goods. Thank you to Peaks Frozen Custard for the donation of coffee and the yummy tastes of their great custard.
The Roosevelt Symphony students are very fortunate to be part of the Seattle Symphony Side-by-Side program, directed by Seattle Symphony assistant conductor Thomas Hong. Participating in this concert allows Roosevelt students to sit and play next to some of our country’s most outstanding musicians. Not only can the students hear exceptional playing of their specific instruments, but also gain insight from these professionals about how to function as a member of an orchestra. Students rose to a level of performing they may not have felt was within their abilities before.
Santa Clara Trip 2/17 - 2/20/2010
The Roosevelt Orchestra has been invited to perform for the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) Festival. We are one of only three orchestras in our category in the nation who have this honor in 2010. The payment deadlines have passed. Please get current!
Download ASTA Permission Forms Here! We need them turned in ASAP.
NEW: ASTA Pack List pdf | Word Format
Robin Glass & Nancy McManamin
Co-presidents Orchestra Booster Board
Updated 2/6/2010