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The orchestra program at Wheeler has grown from 80 members to over 220 members in the past few years. The orchestra program is made of 3 orchestras - Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Chamber.

Membership in each of the orchestras is based on audition. In the last several years, the orchestras have performed at the “North American Music Festival” in Virginia Beach, as well as “Music USA Festivals” in Orlando, winning excellent ratings at these festivals. In 2009, the orchestra traveled to Chicago, and in the spring of 2011, 2014, and 2019, the orchestra traveled to New York and participate in an educational masterclass with members of the New York Philharmonic. As a part of the GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation, the orchestras received ratings of superior in both concert and sight-reading. In 2018 & 2020, the orchestra was selected to perform at the GMEA In-service Conference in Athens, Georgia.

about us

meet our orchestras

Chamber orchestra

Mastery orchestra with a mixture of different grade levels. Students start at a Grade V level of music and perform grade VI music by the end of the year.

philharmonia orchestra

The Intermediate orchestra is where most 9th grade students begin in high school.. Focus is technique and performing up to a grade IV/V level by the end.

sinfonia orchestra

Advanced orchestra with a mixture of different grade levels (10-12). Students start at a grade IV level of music and perform grade V music by the end of the year.