Orchestra

Mendham Township Orchestra Program

The Mendham Township Orchestra Program provides students in grades 4–8 with opportunities to develop their musicianship, technical skills, confidence, and love of music through instruction, rehearsal, and performance.

Elementary School - Tiger Orchestra

Fourth-grade students begin their orchestral journey in Tiger Orchestra, developing foundational techniques, basic note reading, and ensemble skills. Students participate in one rotating pull-out lesson and one early-morning rehearsal on Tuesdays, culminating in 2 performances during the school year.

Middle School Orchestras - Prelude and Symphonic Orchestras, and Chamber Ensemble

At Mendham Township Middle School, students continue their musical development through three orchestral ensembles. All middle school orchestra students receive one rotating lesson each week, with ensemble opportunities designed to support students at different levels of experience and musical development.

Prelude Orchestra is an open-enrollment ensemble for fifth-grade students. Students strengthen their left and right hand technique while continuing to develop skills in intonation, hand position, bow articulation, and bow speed and placement. Students also develop concert etiquette and ensemble skills through multiple performances during the year. Prelude rehearses during 6th period on Wednesdays and has one zero period rehearsal each week on Thursdays.

The Symphonic Orchestra is our second ensemble for students in grades 6–8. Students explore music from the Baroque through Contemporary eras while continuing to develop advanced technical, musical, and ensemble skills. The ensemble rehearses twice a week during zero period on Mondays and Wednesdays, and performs multiple times throughout the school year.

Symphonic Orchestra has earned a SILVER, and most recently a GOLD rating at the NJSMA Region I Orchestra Festival and has performed at Dorney Park, consistently earning 1st Place, as well as Superior and Excellent ratings.

Chamber Ensemble is the program's highest-level, auditioned ensemble, meeting weekly on Mondays during 9th period. Students in Chamber Ensemble are challenged to demonstrate a high level of independence, responsibility, preparation, and musicianship. The ensemble provides additional performance opportunities and educational experiences, including trips to the New Jersey Symphony in Newark and Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown.

A Commitment to Excellence

Our orchestra students balance music with academics, athletics, and many other activities, yet consistently.