High School

Mason High School Orchestra Offerings 

There are multiple levels of orchestra classes at Mason High School with options for everyone.

Freshman Orchestras 

Most freshmen will be placed in a Freshman Orchestra. This course will continue to build upon the skills learned in eighth grade orchestra. All students will be placed in an orchestra based on the instrumentation needs of the ensemble. There is no additional audition and all students with previous string playing experience are welcomed to participate.  

Concert Orchestras

Concert Orchestras are open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors and will focus on continuing to improve and advance string performance skills such as advanced shifting, vibrato, bow techniques, and ensemble performance. All students will be placed in an orchestra based on the instrumentation needs of the ensemble. There is no additional audition needed for current Mason High School Orchestra students and all students with previous string playing experience are welcomed to participate. Any student new to the Mason Orchestra Program must schedule an audition.  

Philharmonic Orchestra

Philharmonic Orchestra is a higher level ensemble and is open by audition only. Admission to Philharmonic Orchestra will be dependent upon instrumentation needs and audition results. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors. Students wishing to be considered for Philharmonic Orchestra will prepare materials for an audition, in which they will play a solo, scales, the provided excerpts, and sight-reading. 

Honors Symphony Orchestra

The MHS Honors Symphony Orchestra is a highly selective group which performs the finest in orchestral literature. Admission to Symphony Orchestra will be dependent upon instrumentation needs and audition results. Priority will be given to juniors and seniors. Students wishing to be considered for Honors Symphony Orchestra will prepare materials for an audition, in which they will play a solo, scales, the provided excerpts, and sight-reading.