SHS Orchestra
The Stratford Orchestra program has a decades-long tradition of musical excellence and achievement, meeting student-musicians where they enter and encouraging them to challenge themselves to rise through the program. The Stratford Orchestra program is comprised of four performing groups including Philharmonic, Camerata, Chamber, and Honors orchestras. Each group rehearses and performs music designed to nurture music appreciation, build and reinforce musical skills, and develop the tools necessary to perform as an orchestra. Placement is by audition and allows for students to participate on levels ranging from one year of previous experience to State-level performance skills.
Orchestra students are encouraged to push themselves as musicians by preparing for and performing in district, regional and state UIL and TX Music Educators Association individual and ensemble competitions. The Stratford Orchestra has performed in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York City, and Symphony Hall in Chicago. In recent years they have also traveled to Walt Disney World facilities in Florida and California, where they made professional recordings at Disney sound studios. Select orchestra members play live for the award-winning Stratford Playhouse annual “Big Show” productions.
The Stratford Orchestra family participates in a great many team-building activities. This includes performances at the Texas Renaissance Festival, Field Days, trips, pool parties, end of year Banquet, along with many other fun activities. The Stratford Orchestra Booster Club fundraising supports the program by providing clinicians for sectionals and individual improvement, as well as contributes to travel and instrument support.
Director
- Artan Zhuri