The Upper School Orchestra is an ensemble for that features string, woodwind, and brass players. Comprised of 30-40 students from Grades 9 – 12, the Orchestra prepares two formal concerts per year, with repertoire that centers on classical music and also broadens instrumental students’ horizons with contemporary and collaborative projects. Past performances have included Mozart Symphony Nos. 35, 41; Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1, 3, 5, 6, 7; Schubert Symphonies Nos. 5, 8; overtures, concerto movements, and individual pieces ranging from Bach and Handel to Copland and modern American composers. Examples of exploratory collaborations include “Shri Raga,” a new structured improvisation developed in collaboration with a BB&N student tabla player and Terry Riley’s “In C,” performed outdoors with members of the jazz ensembles and faculty musicians. Members of the Orchestra also form the Musical Pit Orchestra ensemble, accompanying the Winter Musicals each year.

Instructor: Elliot Cless
Contact: ecless@bbns.org