Orchestra

Congratulations to the Orchestra!

The Lynbrook Orchestra was invited to perform at the 2016 All-State Convention (CASMEC). The performance was held at the Fairmont Hotel Grand Ballroom in downtown San Jose as part of the CASMEC event. Only one high school orchestra in the state of California is selected each year. In June of 2016, the Lynbrook Symphony Orchestra traveled to New York and performed at Carnegie Hall. The performance included our concerto competition winner, Wei-Tung Chen, performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto, Verdi’s La Forza Del Destino Overture, and a world premiere of Christopher Lowry’s Tranquillo.

In April 2018, the Orchestra will travel to SPAIN! Email Mr. Pakaluk if you would like the itinerary and registration form. Lynbrook offers two separate orchestra classes: String Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Each orchestra rehearses and performs its own separate repertoire and in addition, the two join together along with a few select members from the Wind Ensemble to perform music written for a large symphony orchestra. There is a strong emphasis on chamber music in both classes.

Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra is a smaller, select group open by audition only. Musicians in Chamber Orchestra are strongly encouraged to take private lessons during the school year. Chamber Orchestra focuses on performance of advanced string literature and development of chamber music skills. It is comprised primarily of upperclassmen, and an audition is required. Email Mr. Pakaluk at michael_pakaluk@fuhsd.org to set up an audition.

String Orchestra

String Orchestra is open to all string players (violin, viola, cello, bass, harp) who have had at least 1-2 years of training. No audition is required for string orchestra. The group performs mainly intermediate level music and sometimes more advanced literature as part of the Symphony Orchestra. This class focuses on building ensemble skills and musicianship.

Repertoire

Previous recent repertoire for all groups includes Ernest Bloch’s “Concerto Grosso No. 2”, Britten’s “Simple Symphony”, Tschaikovsky’s “Serenade for String Orchestra”, Dvorak’s “Carnival Overture”, Camille Saint-Saens’ “Samson and Delilah”, Copland’s “Buckaroo Holiday”, Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”, Mozart’s Divertimenti, Grieg’s “Holberg Suite” Elgar’s “Nimrod”, “Pirates of the Caribbean”, Arturo Marquez’s “Danzon No. 2”, “Tschaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, Wagner’s “Tannhauser Overture”, Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 3”, Verdi’s “La Forza Del Destino Overture, and Wagner’s “Prelude to Lohengrin”.

For both ensembles, seating auditions are held during the first month of school.

We are always looking for more violists! Violinists are encouraged to consider switching to viola to help the orchestra. We also provide string basses and cellos.

Students interested in auditioning for the Chamber Orchestra should read these instructions and email Mr. Pakaluk at michael_pakaluk@fuhsd.org to schedule an audition and get the music.

There is no audition required to take the String Orchestra class.

Orchestra students need to follow the attire guidelines of the Music Department for all performances.

Orchestra Students

Lynbrook Orchestra

Orchestra with CMB

Caroline CMB

Orchestra FAQ’s

What Orchestra classes are offered?

We offer two levels of orchestra: The more advanced Chamber Orchestra and more intermediate String Orchestra. Both groups combine to form the Symphony Orchestra. Students must audition for Chamber Orchestra. Email or see Mr. Pakaluk with questions.

Does Orchestra involve a huge time commitment?

No, Orchestra rehearses as a class during the school day. Occasionally we have outside rehearsals with the winds and percussion as we approach concerts.

Does Orchestra take any trips?

Yes, in addition to our school concerts, we perform at local high schools like Saratoga and Homestead, perform in CMEA festivals, and go see performances of the San Francisco Symphony. In 2016 the Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In April 2018, the Orchestra will travel to SPAIN! Email Mr. Pakaluk if you would like to receive the itinerary and registration forms and join us on the tour!

Will I receive specialized instruction?

Through parent contributions, LIMB is able to provide coaches and clinicians who come in periodically to work in small groups and refine individual skills. These specialists are some of the best teachers and performers in the bay area. We also have performers and guest conductors from various universities and orchestras visit Lynbrook.

Should I be taking private lessons?

We highly recommend students to continue taking private or group lessons to further their skills. Any students who switch instruments are strongly encouraged to take a few lessons with a private instructor. Most students in the Chamber Orchestra take private lessons.

Does the school rent out instruments?

Yes, we rent out cellos, basses, violas, and even violins to students. Most cellists use a school instrument and avoid having to transport their own.

What sort of music does Orchestra play?

We play a variety of music ranging from classical to baroque to romantic to jazz to contemporary. Past selections include the 1812 Overture, Danse Bacchanale, Tannhauser, Pirates of the Caribbean, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, works by Bach, Mozart, Debussy and more! There is also a strong emphasis on chamber music.

Does Orchestra look good on college applications?

ABSOLUTELY! ORCHESTRA STUDENTS STAND OUT! Admissions officers seek out music students because they are aware of all the discipline and creative thinking required. Lynbrook music students go on to attend some of the top universities and colleges in the country. Every year, our students earn scholarships for musical merit, whether they major in music or not. College admissions officers seek out students who dedicate themselves and make this commitment.