South County HS Orchestra

South County High School
Orchestra
Hello & Welcome!
The South County High School Orchestras, located in Lorton, VA (Fairfax County) consists of roughly 125 students in grades 9-12 performing throughout four ensembles. The SCHS Orchestras have a longstanding tradition of excellence, consistently earning high ratings at VBODA events as well as various festivals across the East coast. The SCHS Orchestra program strives to provide the highest quality musical experience for all students with the hopes of fostering a love of music that will extend well beyond the classroom. Members of the SCHS Orchestras are challenged to develop both strong individual skills and the necessary ensemble skills to ensure a polished performance. The SCHS Orchestras offers a collaborative, supportive and fun environment where students can be a part of something larger than themselves.
Meet the Director

Marci Swift
Director of Orchestras
Marci Swift is a native to Northern Virginia and a product of Prince William County Schools. Ms. Swift graduated from The University of South Carolina with a Bachelors in Music and a Minor in Business Administration. While at USC, she studied violin with Donald Portnoy and participated in the nationally recognized teacher training program, the USC String Project. Ms. Swift earned a Masters in Music Education from Georgia State University while teaching in the Cobb County School District outside of Atlanta, GA.

Ms. Swift returned to Northern Virginia (Fairfax County) in 2004. She taught at Holmes MS from 2004-2011 and Kilmer Middle School from 2011-2018. Mrs. Swift joined the South County faculty in 2018. Under her direction, Ms. Swift's orchestras consistently receive superior ratings at State Assessment and various competitions in the mid-Atlantic area. Ms. Swift was selected to perform at the VMEA state conference with both the Holmes MS Concert Orchestra (2007) and the Kilmer MS Symphonic Orchestra (2014). She has served as both a guest conductor and an adjudicator for various Districts across Northern Virginia and conducted the United String Ensemble for the Youth Orchestras of Fairfax for 5 years. Mrs. Swift served as co-director of the Vienna Summer Strings program for seven years.

Ms. Swift lives in Woodbridge, VA with her husband Mike, her two children, Kendall and Collin, and their dogs - a miniature dachshund, Slinky, and a miniature labradoodle, Annie.
2021-2022 Audition Info
All students NEW to SCHS for the 2021-2022 school year are
required to audition for placement in an advanced ensemble.
Audition Material
All students interested in being placed in an advanced level ensemble must audition. Students who choose not to audition will be placed in CONCERT Orchestra.
The audition will consist of prepared scales and excerpts (below). Prepare the material for the ensemble you wish to be considered.
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
Prepare Excerpt A
SCALES (2 octaves) - CHOOSE 1 MAJOR and 1 MINOR from this list:
MAJOR - C, G, D, F
MELODIC MINOR - A, E, B, D
PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Prepare Excerpt A & B
SCALES (2 octaves) - CHOOSE 1 MAJOR and 1 MINOR (one scale MUST demonstrate SHIFTING) from this list:
MAJOR SCALES - C, G, D, A, F, Bb
MELODIC MINOR SCALES - A, E, B, D, G
CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Prepare Excerpt B & C
SCALES (3 octaves) - CHOOSE 1 MAJOR and 1 MINOR from this list:
MAJOR SCALES - C, G, D, A, F, Bb, Eb
MELODIC MINOR SCALES - A, E, B, F#, D, G, C
Download and print the excerpts for your instrument:
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
BASS
Current FCPS Students should join the SCHS Orchestra Auditions Google Classroom page to access all audition info and stay current on announcements and reminders regarding auditions. The join code is umkorso
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS AUDITION PROCESS OR IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY ACCESSING THE GOOGLE CLASSROOM PAGE, EMAIL MRS. SWIFT at mlswift@fcps.edu.
Student Info
Important Info for all current SCHS Orchestra students.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please stay informed by visiting the FCPS homepage.
Check Google Classroom and Blackboard 24-7 for all Distance Learning Information
SCHS Orchestra Winter Showcase
As we begin a new year (YAY!) and look towards the second half of the school year and all that in holds in store, we would like to share with you the final product of the SCHS Orchestra Winter Showcase. This project was a labor of love with efforts put in by ALL our amazing orchestra students. They can tell you first hand the challenges that a virtual performance entails which makes this video all the more impressive. Each group video was created by a student who put together all the individual group member videos, which is NOT an easy feat. Mrs. Swift is so proud of the work put in on this project and is pleased to present to you the SCHS Orchestra Winter Showcase. We hope you enjoy!
South County HS Orchestra Handbook
Students and Parents are responsible for reviewing all material contained in the Handbook.
In addition to the Handbook, please review the DISTANCE LEARNING Syllabus for this school year.
2020-2021 Required Forms
AFTER reading the Orchestra Handbook and Distance Learning Syllabus (links above), complete the following:
PARENT INFO FORM
STUDENT INFO FORM
Orchestra Course fee of $20 should be paid via My School Bucks by 10/30.
Students who are renting an instrument from the school should complete the 2020 Instrument Rental Contract and pay the require fees through My School Bucks by 10/30.
Private Lessons
Interested in finding a private teacher outside of school? Great! CLICK HERE for a list of teachers in the area. Or check Google Classroom for the most up to date list.
SCHS Orchestra Booster Club Scholarship
The SCHS Orchestra Booster Club offers scholarships for deserving students.

Guidelines for Scholarship
Scholarship requirements for the student in order of importance include:
Must be presently enrolled in a SCHS Orchestra class
Must be a SCHS graduating senior
Must be planning to attend a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or music conservatory
Must have demonstrated commitment and service to the orchestra during their years at SCHS which may include the following:
Participation in school-related orchestra events, such as Governor’s School for Music, All-Virginia Orchestra, Senior Regional Orchestra, FCPS District X Honors Orchestra, FCPS Solo & Ensemble Festival, and SCHS pit orchestra
Membership in Tri-M Music Honor Society
Involvement in SCHS orchestra fund-raisers
Participation in other orchestra-related events, such as membership in a community orchestra/symphony, private lesson study, and summer music camp.
Must have participated in the FCPS District X Honors Orchestra and/or the FCPS Solo & Ensemble Festival at least once during their high school years
Must submit the application with requested information including an essay on the required topic
Must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
Financial need is not considered for this scholarship
Scholarship is non-renewable
Application Deadline is April 30, 2021.
Considering a Degree in Music?
If you are considering making music your career, be sure to make plans to visit the Performing and Visual Arts College Fair, held each fall at the convention center in DC!
Click here for more details on the date and time.
You'll find almost every college and music conservatory in the country represented there. It's helpful to decide ahead of time which schools you want to consider so that you can make the best use of your time.
SoCo Strings Sessions
Welcome 5th & 6th Graders!!

SoCo Strings Sessions
Who? When? Where?
SoCo Strings Sessions are open to all 5th & 6th graders currently enrolled in strings at their Elementary School. All sessions will take place virtually on Mondays at 1PM through Google Meet.
SoCo Strings Sessions
What? Why?
These sessions are designed to be FUN and serve as additional instruction on your instrument. Each session will focus on a different skill and be targeted at making you a stronger musician! Sessions will be led by SoCo Pyramid Strings teachers as well as SCHS Orchestra students.
SoCo Strings Sessions
How?
How do you sign-up? FIRST, CLICK HERE to complete the interest form. SECOND, you will be added to the SoCo Strings Google Classroom Page. THIRD, log in to Google Classroom each Monday to join the 1PM session by clicking the Google Meet link in the Classroom page banner. THAT'S IT!
Calendar
2020-2021

JANUARY 2021
12 - Tri-M Meeting in Google Meet (3:15PM)
18 - NO SCHOOL (MLK Day)
20 - NO SCHOOL (Inauguration Day)
22 - End Q2 (Early Release)
25 - Teacher Workday

FEBRUARY 2021
9 - Tri-M Meeting in Google Meet (3:15PM)
15 - NO SCHOOL (Presidents' Day)

MARCH 2021
8 - Tri-M Meeting in Google Meet (3:15PM)
26 - End Q3 Early Release
29-April 2 - SPRING BREAK

APRIL 2021
5 - Teacher Workday
20 - Tri-M Meeting in Google Meet (3:15PM)
30 - Orchestra Booster Scholarship Deadline (Seniors ONLY)

MAY 2021
25 - Tri-M Meeting in Google Meet (3:15PM)
27 - Orchestra Awards Night (Virtual - TBD)
31 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)

JUNE 2021
7 - Graduations at Eagle Band Arena (7PM)
11 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Orchestra Booster Club
The mission of the South County High School Orchestra Booster Club (SCHS OBC) is to support the Orchestra director and students so that they will have an enjoyable and successful year. We carry out fundraising events to provide funding for orchestra music events, the purchase and maintenance of orchestra equipment's, and many other forms of support. As parent/guardian of SCHS orchestra student(s), you are automatically a member of SCHS OBC. There are no membership fees and all of our orchestra concerts are free and open to the public. With this in mind, please consider becoming an Orchestra Patron and/or help us get the word out to individuals and businesses (e.g., any of your regular service providers) that might be interested in supporting our orchestra program. All donors will be listed in the orchestra concert programs and on the orchestra website unless they wish to remain anonymous. A business can make a contribution and advertise at the same time. The SCHS OBC is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE to the extent of the law; a tax receipt will be provided to donors. Please select Become an Orchestra Patron to see the patron categories. Donations may be mailed to the address on the form or sent in via orchestra students. We greatly appreciate your contribution and thank you for your support!

Tammy Toth, President
EMAIL
Acts as Orchestra liaison with the PTSO and any Arts Advisory group as may be formed. Oversees financial and operational activities of Committee to assure compliance with the Orchestra Bylaws. Conducts periodic meetings of the Orchestra Booster Committee. Approves expenditures and co-signs checks with Orchestra Treasurer. Prepares annual budget. Sends items for Orchestra website to Webmaster. Maintains current e-mail list of orchestra parents and sends out general communications as requested by Orchestra Director.
Mandy Petrocelli, Vice President
EMAIL
Fulfills functions of President in his/her absence and assists President as requested. Processes Student forms and follows up on any missing forms/fees.
Teresa Gribschaw, Secretary
EMAIL
Takes minutes at Orchestra Committee meetings and forwards to President. Keeps official records of meetings and other Board actions, as well as original copies of Corporation paperwork. Sends Thank You notes and other correspondence as requested.
Polly Peckham, Treasurer
EMAIL
Establishes a bank account for the organization and keeps a record of orchestra finances. Provides financial reports at Committee meetings. Deposits monies received from Fundraisers. Processes requests for reimbursement of volunteer expenses and other approved expenses. Co-signs checks with Orchestra President. Assists President in preparing Annual Budget. Prepares annual taxes and registration paperwork and remits fees in a timely manner.
Meeting Notes
December 2019
February 2020
May 2020
August 2020
October 2020
December 2020

SCHS Orchestra Booster Club Bylaws
CLICK HERE to view
Become a Booster Patron
Please consider becoming an Orchestra Patron and/or help us get the word out to individuals and businesses (e.g., any of your regular service providers) that might be interested in supporting our orchestra program. All donors will be listed in the orchestra concert programs and on the orchestra website unless they wish to remain anonymous.
A business can make a contribution and advertise at the same time. The SCHS OBC is a 501(c)(3) organization
and all donations are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE to the extent of the law; a tax receipt will be provided to donors.
Donations may be mailed to the address on the form or sent in via orchestra students.
We greatly appreciate your contribution and thank you for your support!r clients in this section.

Legato
$25
Your name will be listed as a Legato Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Forte
$50
Your name will be listed as a Forte Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Allegro
$100
Your name (or business card or 1/4 page ad) will be listed as an Allegro Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Virtuoso
$250
Your name (or business card or 1/2 page ad) will be listed as a Virtuoso Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Maestro
$500
Your name (or business card or 1/2 page ad) will be listed as a Maestro Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs. You may request a private chamber music performance at your home or business function.
CLICK HERE
Stradivarius
$1000
Your name (or business card or 3/4 page ad) will be listed as a Stradivarius Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs. You may request a private chamber music performance at your home or business function.
CLICK HERE
Tri-M
Music Honor Society open to all SCHS Music Students.
What is Tri-M?
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is an organization created to inspire music participation, create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, and promote leadership in the music students of South County High School.
Membership in Tri-M is open to all students in Grades 9-12 who meet the requirements set forth in the Bylaws. In addition to meeting GPA minimums, students must be enrolled in a music performance class and have the recommendation of that teacher. They must also successfully complete an induction recital/performance.
Members of the Tri-M Honor Society are expected to attend meetings and perform service to the music programs. Those students who maintain good standing in the Society will receive cords and a diploma seal at graduation.
How do I apply?
Each year, there is an interest meeting for all new applicants in early October. You will receive application and membership information for the new school year at that time. Completed applications must be the week following the interest meeting. The induction ceremony for all new members or the new school year will take place in mid to late November.
Membership Info
Current Members should check the Chapter Google Classroom page for up to date information.
Photo Gallery
Photos & videos from the SCHS Orchestras!
Show more
Share Your Photos!
Do you have photos or videos from SCHS Orchestra Events that you would like to share? Please click the link below to upload them to the SCHS Orchestra Google Photo Drive!
UPLOAD PHOTOS
Links
One click away!

FCPS Homepage
SCHS Homepage
Tri-M Music Honor Society
VA Band & Orchestra Directors' Association