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 miniature dachshund, Slinky.
Student Info
Important Info for all current SCHS Orchestra students.
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
South County HS Orchestra Handbook
2019-2020 Required Forms
Private Lessons
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:
Click here to apply.
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.
New Students
Will you be new to SCHS? Here's what you need to know...
2020-2021 Class Placement Info
DHO Event
SCHS is the host for the 2020 District Honors Orchestra event. 170 students from across our district will come to participate January 9-11. We are in need of volunteers and donations to help make this event run smoothly. Please click the button below if you are able to help.
Calendar
Mark your calendar with these important
SCHS Orchestra Dates for the 2019-2020 School Year.
CLICK HERE for a printable version.
DECEMBER 2019
9- Tri-M Meeting (after school)
11 - After School Rehearsal - ALL (3:10-5:30pm)
12 - Winter Concert (ALL) 7pm SCHS
16 - Tiny Tots Rehearsal after school (Chamber)
17 - Tiny Tots Performances (10AM and 12:30PM) during school (Chamber)
JANUARY 2020
8 - SCHS Curriculum Night
9-11 - District Honors Orchestra Event (at SCHS)
13 - Tri-M Meeting
FEBRUARY 2020
14 - Black History Performance (Chamber)
22 - All-State Auditions at JMU
24 - Tri-M Meeting
27 - Orchestra Pre-Assessment Concert (6pm AND 7:30pm)
MARCH 2020
13-14 - Orchestra Assessment at Annandale HS
23 - Tri-M Meeting
26 - Rising Freshmen Placement Auditions at SCHS
31 - Rising Freshmen Placement Auditions at SCHS
APRIL 2020
2 - Rising Freshmen Placement Auditions at SCHS
16-18 - Music Department Spring Trip to NYC
18 - District X Solo & Ensemble (if attending spring trip you may perform in a different district)
23-25 - All-State Event in Richmond, VA
24 - Orchestra Booster Scholarship Deadling (Seniors only)
24 - Academic Point Sheet (Orchestra Letter/Pin) due
27 - Tri-M Meeting
MAY 2020
1-2 & 8-9 - Spring Musical
13 - Symphony (FULL) Orchestra after school (3:10-4:30pm)
12 - Tri-M Recitial 7pm in Silverbox
18 - Final Tri-M Meeting (Seniors recognized)
19 - Symphony (FULL) Orchestra after school (3:10-4:30pm)
27 - After School Rehearsal (ALL GROUPS) 3:10-5:30pm
28 - End of Year Orchestra Awards Banquet 5:30pm in cafeteria
28 - Spring Orchestra Concert 7:30pm SCHS Auditorium
JUNE 2020
TBD - Baccalaureate Ceremony (Chamber underclassmen to perform)
8 - Graduation (Philharmonic and Chamber to perform)
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!
Brenda Cheney, President
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.
Greg Manns, Vice President
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
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.
Gina Creskoff, Treasurer
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.
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.
Forte
$50
Your name will be listed as a Forte Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
There will be an interest meeting for all new applicants on October 7, 2019 at 3:10pm in the Orchestra Room (G115). You will receive application and membership information for the 2019-2020 school year at that time. Completed applications must be received by Friday, October 11, 2019. The induction ceremony for all new members or the 2019-2020 school year will take place on Wednesday, November 20 at 7pm in the SCHS Silverbox.
Membership Info
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!
South County High School Orchestras
8501 Silverbrook Road
Lorton, VA 22079
© 2019
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