Orchestra
About the Program
Orchestra Quick Links
String Parents Association
Private Music Lessons
See the orchestra program brochure
The orchestras are directed by:
Enrique Vilaseco, Director of Orchestra
evilaseco@d125.org
847- 415-4771
Anthony Krempa, Associate Director of Orchestra
akrempa@d125.org
847-415-4766
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.
The Stevenson High School orchestra program is comprised of four orchestras:
• Three sections of Concert Orchestra
• Symphonic Orchestra
• Patriot Orchestra
• Advanced Orchestra (2020-21)
Concert Orchestra is the non-auditioned orchestra ensemble in which all students are enrolled, unless they have auditioned for and been place in Patriot Orchestra, which is not an option for freshmen.
Patriot Orchestra is the top orchestra with enrollment being limited to grades 10, 11 and 12. For two concerts per year the top winds and percussion join the orchestra to perform standard full orchestra literature in classical and pops repertoire.
In addition, chamber ensembles, outreach activities, special cultural and social activities are developed to enhance the orchestras and enrich the orchestra members.
The orchestras receive unyielding support throughout the year by the String Parents Association.
Concerts/Events
2019-20 Concert/Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
| Mon.-Tues., Aug. 5-6 | 9 a.m.-Noon | Orchestra and Guitar Camp | Orchestra Room (2200) |
All incoming students are expected to attend this two-day event, and there is no registration or fee.
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
| Wed., Aug. 15 | 7 p.m. | Senior Solo Recital | Recital Hall (4100) |
| Tues., Sept. 10 | 7-8:15 a.m. | Baroque Ensemble Auditions | Orchestra Room (2200) |
| Fri., Sept. 13 | 7-8:15 a.m. | Baroque Ensemble Auditions | Orchestra Room (2200) |
| Thurs., Sept. 26 | 6 & 7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Concert | Performing Arts Center |
| Tues., Oct. 1 | 3:30-9 p.m. | ILMEA String Auditions | Check www.ilmea.org |
| Mon., Dec. 16 | 6 & 7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Concert | Performing Arts Center |
| Tues., Jan. 14 | 7 p.m. | Consortium Concert | Performing Arts Center |
| Tues., Jan. 28 | 7 p.m. | Baroque Ensemble Concert | Recital Hall (4100) |
| Jan. 29-Feb. 1 | TBA | ILMEA All State Festival | Peoria |
| Wed., Feb. 12 | 6 & 7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Chamber Concert | Recital Hall (4100) |
| Thurs., March 5 | 7 p.m. | Guitar Chamber Concert | Recital Hall (4100) |
| Wed., March 11 | 7:30 a.m-3:30 p.m. | Orchestra Clinic Day | TBA |
| Thurs., March 19 | 6 & 7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Concert | Performing Arts Center |
| April |
TBA |
Orchestra/Guitar Placement Auditions (Incoming freshmen/current students) |
Orchestra Room (2200) |
| Wed., April 29 | 7 p.m. | Baroque Ensemble Concert | Recital Hall (4100) |
| Thurs., May 7 | 6 & 7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Awards Concert | Performing Arts Center |
| Tues., May 12 | 7 p.m. | Guitar Concert | West Auditorium (2206) |
| Fri., May 22 | 5 p.m. | Graduation | Sears Centre Arena |
Student Links
Student Links
• Stevenson Strings Handbook
• Handbook Consent Form
• Strings Board Attendance
• Orchestra Uniforms/Polo Shirts
• Senior Solo Audition Application
Student Assignments
• Technique Self-Evaluation Form
• Orchestra Project Submission Form
Parent Links
Parent Links
• String Parents Association
• SPA Membership/Donation
• Orchestra Uniforms/Polo Shirts
Auditions
Incoming Freshman Strings Auditions for Fall 2020
Monday, April 13, 2020
3:30-5:30 p.m., Stevenson Orchestra Room 2200
Incoming freshman are allowed to audition for Symphonic Orchestra, Guitar 2, Patriot Guitar, or be placed in Concert Orchestra by recommendation. More information will be available about requirements for placement in the Concert Orchestra from their middle school directors.
Click here to sign up for an audition time
Audition Requirements
Please be prepared for a short sight-reading excerpt.
Three-octave scales are required on all instruments and should be played at quarter note=120 with a detache bow stroke. Please prepare all scales, however, you will only be asked to perform one major scale and one melodic minor scale:
# Major Scales are : C, G, D, A, E and B.
b Major Scales are: F, Bb, Eb, Ab and Db.
Melodic minor scales are: C,G and D.
ILMEA scale sheets can be found at this link.
Brahms “Academic Festival Overture” & Beethoven Symphony 5 or 9 Excerpts
Be prepared on all excerpts, you will be asked to play a majority of them.
Download the PDFs below for excerpts for all instruments. Get started by listening and asking your private lessons teachers for help!
Violin audition excerpts
Viola audition excerpts
Cello audition excerpts
Bass audition excerpts
Questions? Contact Director of Orchestras Enrique Vilaseco at evilaseco@d125.org.
Uniforms
Uniform/Dress Fitting Schedule for the 2019-20 School Year
All new Stevenson Orchestra students and returning male Orchestra students must attend one of the following uniform fitting sessions. (Returning girls do not need to attend fittings; girls purchase their dresses/blouses and will wear them all four years.)
- Monday, Aug. 5 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 6 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 8 - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Friday, Aug. 9 - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Students are required to order their orchestra uniform through the SHS Online Store by July 31. Money in individual fundraising student accounts (trip accounts) can now be used toward uniform rental/purchase and SPA membership.
See the coupon below for adjustments that need to be made to length of uniform.
All boys’ pants and girls’ dresses come in one length only! They must be tried on immediately upon delivery and hemmed to correct length. Girls should take the shoes they will be wearing with the dress to the dry cleaners for accurate alteration.
