Chamber Orchestra is made up of 24 students who play string instruments, which include violin, viola, cello and bass. They meet after school at least once a week throughout the school year, in order to practice the challenging pieces in an ensemble setting.

Chamber Orchestra was created in 2000 by Ms. Lisa Rogers, who is currently in charge. SHS is still the only school in the Monroe County that offers a string program. Many of the students in Chamber Orchestra have been playing since elementary school. Ai??Rogers is very appreciative of all the work her colleagues have done to prepare the students. Ai??Ms. Ashley Steen (4th grade), Ms. Mary Bechtel and Mrs. Wendy Wilson (grades 5-7 grade), and Mrs. Gretchen Taylor (grades 8-9) all contribute to the success of the program. ai???The Orchestra Program has been very alive and is a thriving program from 4th grade and up,” said Rogers.

Many of the students have accomplished much, includingAi??junior student,Ai??Missy Salvadeo, who has qualified for districts for two years and junior student,Ai??Christie Lee who performed at regionals last year and again this year.Ai?? Also three other students who went to PMEA Orchestra this year- Katie Rubino, Viola, grade 10, Meredith Constable, Bass, Grade 11 and Sierra Holbert, Bass, Grade 9. Other experiences the students have had is playing in the Orchestra pit for the school musical and playing for the choir during the holiday concert. Also some students volunteer as a quartet in the community. One of the most unique experience they have had is playing with a young American singer-songwriter and actor named David Archuleta.

The next Chamber Orchestra event includes an extra curricular ensemble on May 4, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Rogers, is very proud of the students she has in the program overall. She said, ai??? It’s nice to do what you love with others who enjoy the same passion, and they can turn the worst day into the best.ai???