A collection of four distinct performing ensembles, the Southeastern orchestra department provides students with a vibrant music education and the opportunity to prepare and perform a wide variety of music for our community.
A NOTE ABOUT AUDITIONS
CURRENT SOUTHEASTERN HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA STUDENTS
Each Spring the current Southeastern Orchestra students are required to audition for orchestra placement for the following school year. EVERY student who wants to be in orchestra can be in orchestra. Auditions do not determine your ability to be in orchestra. Auditions should be low-stress and are only meant to help the directors understand where a student is best placed.
INCOMING FRESHMAN
Additionally, incoming Freshman are strongly encouraged to complete the audition so that directors can be sure they are placed in the best orchestra for the students ability level.
Each Spring the current Southeastern Orchestra students are required to audition for orchestra placement for the following school year. EVERY student who wants to be in orchestra can be in orchestra. Auditions do not determine your ability to be in orchestra. Auditions should be low-stress and are only meant to help the directors understand where a student is best placed.
INCOMING FRESHMAN
Additionally, incoming Freshman are strongly encouraged to complete the audition so that directors can be sure they are placed in the best orchestra for the students ability level.
SOUTHEASTERN CAMERATA & PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRAS
The Southeastern Camerata and Philharmonic Orchestras are comprised of primarily 9-11 string students. A primary function of this orchestra is to cultivate a culture of respect and understanding to prepare students for the Sinfonia, Serenata and Symphony Orchestras in their later years. Students in this orchestra will learn what it means to be a young musician and how to communicate in an ensemble through a variety of technical exercises and repertoire.
COMMITTMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students can expect minimal after school activities and a commitment of 3-4 concerts throughout the year. Students are also provided with opportunities to experience live performances by professionals, during and outside of the school day.
CURRICULUM
The Camerata and Philharmonic Orchestra curriculum is designed to refine fundamental skills and develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to:
COMMITTMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students can expect minimal after school activities and a commitment of 3-4 concerts throughout the year. Students are also provided with opportunities to experience live performances by professionals, during and outside of the school day.
CURRICULUM
The Camerata and Philharmonic Orchestra curriculum is designed to refine fundamental skills and develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to:
- Tone production
- Intonation
- Basic rhythmic skills
- Basic bowing techniques and articulations
- Music reading skills
- Basic shifting skills
- Listening skills
- Analyzing music
- Sight reading
SOUTHEASTERN SINFONIA ORCHESTRA
The Southeastern Sinfonia Orchestra is comprised primarily of string musicians in grades 10-12. Students in the Sinfonia Orchestra play at an intermediate level and the curriculum helps students prepare for Serenata while continuing to focus on fundamental skills.
COMMITTMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students can expect minimal after school commitments and will only be expected to participate in 3-4 performances throughout the year. Students are also provided with opportunities to experience live performances by professionals, during and outside of the school day.
CURRICULUM
The Sinfonia Orchestra curriculum is designed to continue refining fundamental skills while challenging student's musicianship skills. Elements will include, but not be limited to:
COMMITTMENT REQUIREMENTS
Students can expect minimal after school commitments and will only be expected to participate in 3-4 performances throughout the year. Students are also provided with opportunities to experience live performances by professionals, during and outside of the school day.
CURRICULUM
The Sinfonia Orchestra curriculum is designed to continue refining fundamental skills while challenging student's musicianship skills. Elements will include, but not be limited to:
- Tone production
- Intonation
- Basic/Intermediate rhythmic skills
- Basic bowing techniques and articulations
- Music reading skills
- Basic shifting skills
- Listening skills
- Analyzing music
- Sight reading
SERENATA ORCHESTRA
The Southeastern Serenata Orchestra is comprised primarily of high intermediate level upperclassman string musicians. A primary purpose of this course is to prepare students to move into the Symphony Orchestra though not all students in the Serenata Orchestra will automatically advance to Symphony. The Serenata Orchestra provides young string musicians the opportunity to develop their abilities and musicianship skills to become musical leaders in an ensemble. Students are expected to perform, with expression and technical accuracy as well as evaluate music and musical.
COMMITTMENT
Students are expected to commit to the occasional after school or Pathway rehearsals, as well as 3-5 performances throughout the year.
CURRICULUM
The Serenata Orchestra curriculum provides students with a balanced comprehensive study of music through the orchestra. Students will continue to refine fundamentals with a focus on developing more advanced elements of musicianship including, but not limited to:
COMMITTMENT
Students are expected to commit to the occasional after school or Pathway rehearsals, as well as 3-5 performances throughout the year.
CURRICULUM
The Serenata Orchestra curriculum provides students with a balanced comprehensive study of music through the orchestra. Students will continue to refine fundamentals with a focus on developing more advanced elements of musicianship including, but not limited to:
- Tone production
- Intonation
- Intermediate/Advanced rhythmic skills
- Basic bowing techniques
- Intermediate/Advanced reading skills (introduction of new clefs)
- Intermediate shifting skills
- Vibrato
- Listening skills
- Analyzing music
- Sight reading
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
The Southeastern Symphony Orchestra is an advanced ensemble consisting of outstanding musicians who are primarily upperclassman. This advanced ensemble is driven by a professional rehearsal and performance philosophy, geared at inspiring young musicians to perform meaningful and exciting orchestra literature spanning several musical time periods at the highest level possible. The Southeastern Symphony has developed a standard of excellence, earning top ratings at state festivals and contests. Awards include placing in state finals three out of the last four years and placing 4th in the ISSMA State Orchestra Finals in 2025. Many of our Symphony students are involved in other organizations such as the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra and often audition and are accepted into the INASTA High School All Region Honor Orchestra and the Indiana All State Orchestra.
COMMITTMENT
While attainable, the Symphony Orchestra does have a higher committment level than the other orchestras. However, the directors understand that our high-level students are often involved in other high-level activities and we support students. Communication with directors is key. While it is not required, students are expected to take private lessons to help continue to refine fundamental skills and give students opportunities to work on solo works.
Students in the Symphony Orchestra understand that there will be after school rehearsals in the Spring to prepare for ISSMA State Qualifications. These rehearsals are necessary because we will be joined by members of the Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony to create our full orchestra in order to compete at the ISSMA State Qualifications and Finals. Directors continue, as always, to work with students to balance orchestra rehearsals with athletics and other after school commitments to ensure a well-rounded education.
CURRICULUM
The Symphony Orchestra curriculum is designed to continue to refine fundamental skills, develop an understanding for the string and full orchestra, develop an understanding of professional rehearsal techniques, as well as develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to:
COMMITTMENT
While attainable, the Symphony Orchestra does have a higher committment level than the other orchestras. However, the directors understand that our high-level students are often involved in other high-level activities and we support students. Communication with directors is key. While it is not required, students are expected to take private lessons to help continue to refine fundamental skills and give students opportunities to work on solo works.
Students in the Symphony Orchestra understand that there will be after school rehearsals in the Spring to prepare for ISSMA State Qualifications. These rehearsals are necessary because we will be joined by members of the Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony to create our full orchestra in order to compete at the ISSMA State Qualifications and Finals. Directors continue, as always, to work with students to balance orchestra rehearsals with athletics and other after school commitments to ensure a well-rounded education.
CURRICULUM
The Symphony Orchestra curriculum is designed to continue to refine fundamental skills, develop an understanding for the string and full orchestra, develop an understanding of professional rehearsal techniques, as well as develop elements of musicianship including, but not limited to:
- Tone production
- Intonation
- Advanced rhythmic skills
- Advanced bowing techniques
- Advanced reading skills (including multiple clefs)
- Advanced shifting skills
- Vibrato
- Listening skills
- Analyzing music
- Sight reading