“Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them – a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.” – Gerald Ford, Former President of the United State
Our Program
The Grand Haven Area Public School Orchestra Program has grown significantly in the past several years into an exuberant music program encompassing 5th and 6th grade orchestras at White Pines Intermediate School and as well as 7th and 8th grade orchestras and an extracurricular Fiddle Club at Lakeshore Middle School. In addition, we offer Concert, Symphony, and Chamber Orchestras at the high school along with the after school alternative string group, GOTAK. This comprehensive and thriving program serves over 400 students. The Grand Haven Symphony Orchestra has consistently received First Division Ratings at MSBOA District VII Festivals, and student members have maintained a continuing tradition of excellence by earning First Division Ratings at both District and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals and participation in the MSBOA All-State Orchestra.
The Grand Haven Orchestra Program provides music instruction at eight grade levels, beginning in the 5th grade at White Pines Intermediate School and continuing throughout High School. Instruction targets the development of basic music skills, including musical style, rhythm, note-reading , and pitch.
Middle school orchestra is offered to 5th and 6th grades at White Pines and 7th and 8th grades at Lakeshore Middle Schools. The middle school orchestra provides students with the opportunities to improve musical skills, increase knowledge of literature and participate in musical performances. In addition, 7th and 8th grade orchestra students have the opportunity to perform in the District and State Orchestra Festivals, as well as participate in adjudicated Solo and Ensemble Festival.
The Grand Haven High School Orchestra Program provides several different opportunities for orchestral music instruction at the high school level. All freshmen are enrolled in the Concert Orchestra. In the Fall Sophomores Juniors and Seniors are placed based on prior spring auditions in either the Concert Orchestra (Basic to Intermediate level of difficulty), the Symphony Orchestra (Intermediate to Advanced proficiency on a string instrument), or the Chamber Orchestra. The high school orchestras perform at District and State Festivals, in addition to regularly scheduled concerts throughout the year. Individual orchestra students are also encouraged to participate in adjudicated Solo and Ensemble Festival at the District level, with possible advancement to the State Festival. In addition, high school orchestra students have the opportunity to participate in GOTAK, the after school alternative string group. GOTAK performs at concerts and various community events along with being the proud sponsors of our annual Irish Fest.