• 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

      • Download DHO and SRO material (below) and begin working on the scales and excerpts NOW.
      • Stallion Stampede will be on Thursday, August 22 (4:30-7pm).  Stop by the Orchestra room to turn in required forms and fees (required forms are below).
      • Students in Concert, Symphonic and Philharmonic Orchestra do NOT need their instrument the first day of classes.
      • Students in Chamber Orchestra DO need their instruments the first day of classes.

      South County HS Orchestra Handbook

      • Students and Parents are responsible for reviewing all material contained in the Handbook.
      • CLICK HERE to view the Orchestra Handbook.
      • After reviewing, please complete all required forms (below) as well as the Student Info LINK.  This must be done by Friday, Sept 6, 2019.

      2019-2020 Required Forms

      2019-2020 Senior Regional Orchestra Audition Material

      • Auditions will be at Justice HS on Monday, September 23, 2019. INFO SHEET
      • Audition material consists of prepared scales (3 octave Major and Melodic Minor up to and including 3 # and 3 flats) and selected excerpts.  Click on your instrument to view excerpts - VIOLIN    VIOLA    CELLO    BASS    PIANO

      2019-2020 Junior and Senior District Honors Orchestra Audition Material

      • Auditions will be at Mt. Vernon HS on Tuesday, November 12, 2019.
      • Freshmen may choose to audition for the Junior OR Senior Ensemble.
      • Audition material consists of prepared scales  and selected excerpts.  SRSCALES  JRSCALES
      • SENIOR EXCERPTS - Click on your instrument to view excerpts - VIOLIN     VIOLA     CELLO     BASS
      • JUNIOR EXCERPTS (Freshmen only) - Click on your instrument to view excerpts - VIOLIN     VIOLA     CELLO     BASS
      • Members of the Chamber Orchestra are required to audition for this event.

      Interested in a Leadership Role in the Orchestra this school year?

      CLICK HERE to apply! The description of leadership positions is available in the Orchestra Handbook on page 13.

      Private Lessons

      • Interested in finding a private teacher outside of school? Great!  CLICK HERE for a list of teachers in the area.  

      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:
        1. 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
        2. Membership in Tri-M Music Honor Society
        3. Involvement in SCHS orchestra fund-raisers
        4. 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 attached 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

      • Click here for more details.

      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...

      2019-2020 Class Placement Info

      • Class placement for students new to SCHS is done via an in person audition with the Director. Students new to the area should email the director and set up and audition.  
      • Audition information can be found HERE
      • Symphonic Audition Material:   VIOLIN   VIOLA    CELLO    BASS
      • Chamber Audition Material :    VIOLIN    VIOLA    CELLO    BASS

      2020-2021 Class Placement Info

      • Class placement for students new to SCHS for the 2020-2021 school year will be share in February 2020.

    • 2019-2020 Student Info Link

      All students enrolled in Orchestra for the 2019-2020 school year should complete the information requested in this Student Info Link by Friday, September 7, 2019. Please note that the students must be logged into their fcpsschools.net account to access this form.

    • Tag Day September 14, 2019

      Parents - WE NEED YOU!! Click below to Volunteer

      (Students Sign-up on sign-up sheet in Orchestra Room)

    • Calendar

      Mark your calendar with these important
      SCHS Orchestra Dates for the 2019-2020 School Year.
      CLICK HERE for a printable version.

      AUGUST 2019

      22 - Stallion Stampede (4:30-7pm at SCHS); stop in and say hello and drop off all required forms & fees.

      26 - First day of school for FCPS

      29 - Chamber Orchestra Elementary School Recruitment Tour.

      30 - NO SCHOOL

      SEPTEMBER 2019

      2 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)

      9- Tri-M Officers' Meeting (after school)

      11 - SCHS Back to School Night 6:30-8pm

      14 - Music Department TAG Day

      23 - SRO Auditions at Justice HS

      30 - Tri-M Returning Members Meeting (after school)

       

      OCTOBER 2019

      1- Music Dept Pie Sale Fundraiser Begins

      7 - Tri-M New Member Interest Meeting (after school)

      11 - Tri-M Applications due (new and returning)

      14 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Workday

      15 - Music Dept Pie Sale Fundraiser ENDS

      15 & 22 - ES Masquerade Clinics at SCMS (4:15-5:30pm) - Chamber

      26 - ES Masquerade Workshop at SCHS (8am-12pm) - Chamber

      29 - After School Rehearsal - ALL groups (3:10-5:30pm)

      30 - Masquerade Concert 7pm SCHS - ALL groups

       

      NOVEMBER 2019

      7-8- SRO Event at Fairfax HS (selected students)

      12 - DHO Auditions at Mt. Vernon HS

      18 - Tri-M Meeting (ALL - after school)

      20 - Tri-M Induction Ceremony (7pm in Silverbox)

      21 - Pie Pick-Up (2-6:30 pm on SCHS loading dock)

       

      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 Performance 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

      31 - Kennedy Center Field Trip (all groups)

       

      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

      27 - Tri-M Meeting

       

      MAY 2020

      1-2 & 8-9 - Spring Musical

      12 - 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)

      TBD - 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

      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.

      Greg Manns, 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.

      Gina Creskoff, 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

      August 2018

      October 2018

      November 2018

      February 2019

      May 2019

      August 2019

       

      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.

    • Photo Gallery

      Photos & videos from the SCHS Orchestras!

    • Links

      One click away!

      FCPS Homepage

      SCHS Homepage

      Tri-M Music Honor Society

      VA Band & Orchestra Directors' Association

    South County High School Orchestras

    8501 Silverbrook Road

    Lorton, VA 22079

    schsorchestra@gmail.com

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