Orchestra
The Stevenson High School orchestra program is comprised of four orchestras:
- Stevenson Orchestra
- Concert Orchestra
- Symphonic Orchestra
- Patriot Orchestra
All orchestra members perform in four major concerts during the school year. The main emphasis for the orchestra program is the development of total musicianship through the study, preparation and performance of quality literature and an authentic understanding of the language of music through a sequential curriculum of music theory topics.
For upcoming concert and event information, visit the Fine Arts Events page.
About the Program
About Orchestra
The Stevenson Orchestra course is our entry-level class, suitable for young string players who want to continue their technical development. The Concert Orchestra class is more advanced and requires director approval for entry. Symphonic and Patriot Orchestra are by audition only and require higher technical and performance expectations for admittance. These top ensembles have regular collaborations with members of the Band department for full orchestra experiences.
All ensembles play in regular concerts throughout the school year, and have opportunities for chamber music, service, travel, private lessons, and co-curricular clubs like the "Baroque Ensemble", "Viol Consort", "Pit Orchestra" and "Student Strings Board". In addition, special outreach, cultural and social activities are developed to enhance the ensemble experience and enrich the orchestra members. The orchestras receive unyielding support throughout the year from the String Parents Association.
Orchestra Directors
Enrique Vilaseco
Director of Orchestra
evilaseco@d125.org
847- 415-4771
Anthony Krempa
Associate Director of Orchestra
akrempa@d125.org
847-415-4766
Quick Links
Helpful Links
Auditions
Auditions
Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students Strings Auditions for Fall 2022
Incoming freshmen and transfer students are allowed to audition for Symphonic Orchestra. Auditions will take place on Monday, April 17th, 2023. Audition details are below, if you have any questions or are a transfer student, please contact Mr. Vilaseco at evilaseco@d125.org. Follow the link below to sign up for an audition slot.
REGISTER: Freshman Symphonic Auditions
Symphonic Orchestra Audition Materials for 2023-24 Placement
These materials represent the required music for the Symphonic Orchestra auditions for the Spring of 2023. The results of these placement auditions will help determine our class placements for the Fall of 2023. Below is a list of the musical excerpts for each instrument, links to each part, required scales, and information about the sight-reading component.
Instrument Specific Excerpts
- Violin Excerpts:
- PDF: Mendelssohn Symph. No. 4, first violin, measures 1-110.
- PDF: Prokofiev Classical Symph. first violin, beginning to C.
- Viola Excerpts:
- PDF: Mozart Symph. 35, mvt 4, measures 134-181.
- PDF: Shostakovich Symph. 5, mvt. 1, reh 15-17.
- Cello Excerpts:
- PDF: Beethoven Symph 5, mvt. 2, three excerpts.
- PDF: Brahms Symphony 2, mvt 2, measures 1-15.
- Bass Excerpts:
- PDF: Brahms Symph. 2, mvt.1, measures 118-156Links to an external site.
- Resources: https://orchestraexcerpts.com/brahms-symphony-2-mvt-i-reh-e-f-or-mm-118-156/Links to an external site.
- PDF: Strauss Don Juan, Reh F-G.
- Resources: https://orchestraexcerpts.com/r-strauss-don-juan-rehearsal F-GLinks to an external site.
- PDF: Brahms Symph. 2, mvt.1, measures 118-156Links to an external site.
Scale Requirements
Click here for the sample ILMEA Orchestra Scale Sheets
- C, G, D, A, E, F, and Bb Major
- c and g melodic minor
- Violin-Viola-Cello: Three Octaves
- String Bass: Two Octaves
- Quarter Note = 120
- Detached Bowing
Sight-Reading Requirements
A short sight-reading example will be a part of your audition experience.
Uniforms
Uniforms
Uniform requirements for Stevenson Strings students for the 2021-22 School Year:
Stevenson, Concert, Symphonic Orchestra (both boys and girls)
- All-black ensemble (see Policy Change here)
- Orchestra Polo (purchased once for personal use)
We are pleased to inform you that the Superstore options for the required Orchestra Polo have been updated.
ORCHESTRA POLO ORDERS
If you already own the Orchestra Polo Shirt, there is no need to re-order.
Questions? Please email shs.stringparents@gmail.com.
Patriot Orchestra ONLY
Boys
- Tuxedo Jacket and Pants (rented annually)
- Tuxedo Shirt, Bowtie and Cummerbund (purchased once for personal use)
- Orchestra Polo (purchased once for personal use)
Girls (Violin/Viola)
- Concert Dress (purchased once for personal use)
- Orchestra Polo (purchased once for personal use)
Girls (Cello/Bass)
- Concert Blouse (purchased once for personal use)
- Orchestra Polo (purchased once for personal use)
PATRIOT ORCHESTRA UNIFORM ORDERS
All Patriot Orchestra students have been sent information via email to submit their measurements/sizes online. You can also complete that information via these links:
- Patriot Orchestra - Boys - new and returning students
- Patriot Orchestra - Girls (violin/viola) - new and returning students
- Patriot Orchestra - Girls (cello/bass) - new and returning students
Tuxedo Pants and Orchestra Dresses come in one length and must be hemmed temporarily for the student. The pants cannot be cut. Download this coupon for hemming services.
Guitar Boys and Girls
- Guitar Polo (purchased once for personal use)
For all polo shirt purchases (Guitar and Orchestra), sizing is on the Superstore.
Additionally, there will be in-person Uniform support by the String Parents Association on the following days:
- Thursday, Aug. 5 - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (lobby space outside Band Room)
- Friday, Aug. 6 - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (lobby space outside Band Room)
Questions? Email shs.stringparents@gmail.com
ILMEA Auditions
ILMEA Auditions
If you are interested in auditioning for the ILMEA District 7 Orchestra this Fall please read below for information, links, and music excerpts, or visit this website https://ilmea.org/
- Auditions will occur on Tuesday, Oct. 1
- Festival will be Saturday, Nov. 6
Location: TBD
Required Strings Audition Materials
Fall 2021 Audition Material
Senior-level auditions will be blind auditions; click here for a sample script of what to expect.
For Piano Audition Information, please see Wind & Percussion District Audition Process
1 .2021-2022: Beethoven Year
Click Here for the state-required excerpts for Fall 2021 auditions.
2. Senior-Level Scales
Click Here for the Orchestra Scale Sheets
-
C, G, D, A, E, F, and Bb Major
-
C and G melodic minor
-
Violin-Viola-Cello: Three Octaves
-
String Bass: Two Octaves
-
Quarter Note = 120
-
Detached Bowing
3. Sight-reading
Retired sight-reading examples can be found under Audition Resources.
4. District-selected supplemental excerpts.