The ORCHESTRAS of D101

Grades 4-8

Orchestra is M-U-S-I-C! 

M aking music with a family of lifelong friends. 

U nderstanding how commitment and dedication can lead to success.  

S haring the joy and rewards of working together. 

I ndividuals who develop self-confidence. 

C reativity – expressing yourself in a universal language. 

-Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

Orchestra is not only a class to learn to play a string instrument! In orchestra, we become part of a community that inspires lifelong learning. Your child's success in education will flourish in many ways as a result of learning in the orchestra classroom.

We know that music students represent the top of the academic scale in our schools. Orchestra students typically enjoy a successful high school career, go on to college, and become the leaders in our society. There is a definite link between the top achiever academically and the orchestra student. 

When you instill self-discipline via participation in your orchestra to your child, they grow in a variety of ways. Their social skills, communication skills, self concept, cooperative talents and creative mind will all be nurtured through their study of instrumental music. These life skills will serve as an important foundation as they take on various responsibilities in their future.  Please refer to the Orchestra Handbook for more information.

Important Dates

BOLDED CONCERTS ARE REQUIRED please make a note on your family calendar.

Elementary Orchestra Dates

Tues., August 27 - 4th grade B&O information meeting and registration night at McClure, 9:30 am OR 6 pm (LLC)

September 3 - 4th and 5th grade Elementary B&O group lessons begin

Wed., September 11  - 5th Grade Band & Orchestra Rehearsals begin at McClure mornings

September 10 - 4th grade B&O group lessons begin WITH instruments

December 5 - 5th-8th grade B&O Holiday Concert, McClure, 7pm

Wed., January 8 - 4th grade Rehearsals begin at McClure after school

February 27 - 4th-8th grade Winter Orchestra Concert, 7pm

March 8 - LT Solo and Ensemble Festival at LT South Campus (optional--5th grade only)

Thurs., April 17 - Tour to elementary schools

May 8 - 4th-5th grade Spring Band, Orchestra, Choir Concert 7pm

May 27 - Field Park B&O Pizza Party

May 28 - Forest Hills B&O Pizza Party

May 29 - Laidlaw B&O Pizza Party

McClure Orchestra Dates

September 3 - 7/8th grade AM Orchestra rehearsals begin

September 16 - ILMEA nominations Due

September 30 - ILMEA auditions Due

October 3- Jazz Band and Alternative Strings auditions

October 17 - (8th Grade) String Workshop at LT

October 22 - (6th-8th grade) B&O Fall Fun Recording Day

November 23 - ILMEA festival at Cicero Unity

December 5 - (5th-8th grade) B&O Holiday Concert, McClure, 7pm

January 27 - (7th grade) Orchestra Festival  at LTHS

February 27 - (4th-8th grade) Winter Orchestra Concert, 7pm

March 8 - (5th-8th grade) LT Solo and Ensemble Festival at LT South Campus (optional)

April 17- (7th-8th grade) Jr. High B & O tour to the elementary schools 

May 6 - (6th-8th grade) Spring JH Band & Orchestra Concert, 7pm

May 10 - B & O Great America Trip 

May 14 - 8th Grade B&O Celebration Trip