Orchestra

Congratulations to the Orchestra!

The Lynbrook Orchestra has achieved many honors, including being invited to perform at the 2019 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. The Orchestra has also performed at the California All-State Conference (CASMEC) in both 2016 and 2022. In June of 2016, the Lynbrook Symphony Orchestra traveled to New York and performed at Carnegie Hall. In Spring 2018, The Orchestra performed in Spain (Barcelona, Zaragoza, Valencia). The Chamber Orchestra has also been invited to play at the CMEA Bay Section winter conference, and each year students are selected to the All-State Orchestra.

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, piano, 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. We will teach beginner level string bass players, many piano players have been successful at learning to play bass.

Repertoire

Previous recent repertoire for all groups includes Ernest Bloch’s “Concerto Grosso No. 2”, Britten’s “Simple Symphony”, Tchaikovsky’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”, “Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, Wagner’s “Tannhauser Overture”, Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 3”, Verdi’s “La Forza Del Destino Overture, Wagner’s “Prelude to Lohengrin”, Von Suppe’s “Light Cavalry Overture”, and much more.

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

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

Students interested in auditioning for the Chamber Orchestra should should 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.

What Orchestra classes are offered?

We offer two levels of orchestra: The more advanced Chamber Orchestra 7250 and more intermediate Orchestra 7240. Both groups combine to form the Symphony Orchestra. Students must audition for Chamber Orchestra. There is no audition for String Orchestra. See or email Mr. Pakaluk at michael_pakaluk@fuhsd.org for audition info and any questions about joining the orchestra. All incoming students should put ORCHESTRA 7240 on their course request form.

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?

In addition to our school concerts, we perform at local high schools like Saratoga and Homestead, and perform in CMEA festivals. In June 2016 the Orchestra went to New York City and performed on stage at Carnegie Hall. In April 2018, the Orchestra performed in Spain. In 2019, the Chamber Orchestra performed in Chicago at the 73rd Annual Midwest Clinic. This upcoming year we have a trip planned to New York City (Spring 2024). Join us!

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 and bassists use a school instrument and avoid having to transport their own to school.

What sort of music does Orchestra play?

We play a variety of music: baroque, classical, romantic, modern, etc. Students play in chamber groups and also have opportunities to perform major symphonies.

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.

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