Orchestra Ensembles (3rd–12th)

The Geneva Orchestra Program, directed by Eric Mendez and Henry Spears, seeks to cultivate the musical gifts given to each of us by God, developing those skills through the active study, practice, and collective performance of string and orchestral works. The mission of the orchestra program is to nurture a love and enjoyment for instrumental music, cultivating proficiency on a string instrument of choice, learning musical elements, and sharing this learned knowledge with the community.

Geneva orchestra students are encouraged to have fun, make lifelong connections, and glorify God through the performance of music and development of their character. In order to achieve these goals, every student must be diligent in striving to meet the fundamental requirements needed for a successful ensemble.


Geneva Orchestra Requirements

  • Students must own or rent an instrument for usage during rehearsals and performances.
  • Students must be able to commit to the respective weekly rehearsals and performances based upon grade level.
  • Students must be able to show a continued interest in developing their musical skill on their instrument through the seeking of further instruction. Private lessons are preferred and highly encouraged, but not mandatory.

Philharmonia Orchestra

  • For beginner/intermediate string musicians in grades 3–6
  • Dates: September 5–December 19 / January 13–May 5
  • Time: 3:30–4:30 pm Mondays and Thursdays
  • Place: Lower school instrumental music room
  • Fee: $300 per semester ($400 for non-TGS students). Students registered for the first semester will receive a $100 discount when they register for the second semester.
  • Students will perform at Lessons and Carols (Thursday, December 19, 2024) and the Spring String Showcase (Thursday, May 1, 2025).

Chamber Orchestra

  • For intermediate/advanced string musicians in grades 6–12 who have achieved a high degree of proficiency on their instrument and reflect a dedication to further their development in the musical arts
  • This is an auditioned ensemble. Information about what is required at the audition can be found here. Auditions will be held on Monday, August 12, in the Riley Arena band room from 7:10–8:50 am. Sign up for an audition time using this Google Sheet.
  • Dates: September 4–December 16 / January 8–May 21
  • Time: 7:15–8:15 am, Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Place: Riley Arena band room
  • Fee: $300 per semester ($400 for non-TGS students). Students registered for the first semester will receive a $100 discount when they register for the second semester.
  • Students will perform at the Upper School Christmas Concert (Friday, December 6, 2024), the Spring String Showcase (Thursday, May 1, 2025), and the Baccalaureate Service (Thursday, May 22, 2025).

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The Geneva School
The Geneva School
December 23, 2024
  • No School - Christmas/New Year Break

    Date: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
    Time: 12:00 am- 11:59 pm
    See more details

December 24, 2024
  • No School - Christmas/New Year Break

    Date: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
    Time: 12:00 am- 11:59 pm
    See more details

December 25, 2024
  • No School - Christmas/New Year Break

    Date: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
    Time: 12:00 am- 11:59 pm
    See more details

December 26, 2024
  • No School - Christmas/New Year Break

    Date: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
    Time: 12:00 am- 11:59 pm
    See more details

  • Alumni Christmas Party

    Date: December 26, 2024 - December 26, 2024
    Time: 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm
    See more details

December 23, 2024
  • No School - Christmas/New Year Break

    Date: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
    Time: 12:00 am- 11:59 pm
    See more details

December 24, 2024
  • No School - Christmas/New Year Break

    Date: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
    Time: 12:00 am- 11:59 pm
    See more details

December 25, 2024
  • No School - Christmas/New Year Break

    Date: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
    Time: 12:00 am- 11:59 pm
    See more details

December 26, 2024
  • No School - Christmas/New Year Break

    Date: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025
    Time: 12:00 am- 11:59 pm
    See more details

  • Alumni Christmas Party

    Date: December 26, 2024 - December 26, 2024
    Time: 5:30 pm- 7:00 pm
    See more details

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