PARKLAND
MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRAs
Springhouse Middle School & Orefield Middle School
Updates!
Check out the HONORS ORCHESTRA page for AUDITION information for the 2023-2024 school year!
Need some summer practice INSPIRATION? Check out the Resources page!
Concerts 2023 - 2024
Holiday Concert
Friday, December 1st 7:00 PM
Parkland High School
SMS Honors Ensembles Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 14th 7:00 PM
Springhouse Middle School
OMS Honors Ensembles Holiday Concert
Monday, December 18th 7:00 PM
Orefield Middle School
String Jam!
Tuesday, March 19th 7:00 PM
Parkland High School
Spring Concert
Friday, April 19th 7:00 PM
Parkland High School
8th Grade Hershey Trip
Friday, May 10th
SMS Honors Ensembles Spring Concert
Monday, May 13th 7:00 PM
Springhouse Middle School
Honors Ensembles at Festival of the Arts
Saturday, May 19th
From the Conductor's Stand...
Hello Students and Families,
Welcome to the Parkland Middle School Orchestra program. My name is Miss Budlong and I am the Orchestra Director for Springhouse and Orefield Middle Schools.
As for the start of the school year, in Marking Period 1, we will begin with orchestra lessons once a week. Please consistently check the SMS/OMS Orchestra Lesson Schedule, also found in your Orchestra Lessons course on Schoology.
Being in an orchestra is a team activity. We will all work together to perform music at our highest level. My expectations may be challenging because I want our ensembles to have successful musical experiences. I want each of us to feel proud of ourselves and one another! However, I am a down-to-earth , approachable, empathetic person. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there’s anything I can do for students or parents to ensure their success.
Please see the Orchestra Syllabus to learn more about the expectations of being in our orchestra program.
All my best,
Miss Budlong
budlonga@parklandsd.net
About the Program
The middle school orchestra programs in Parkland School District consists of students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Springhouse Middle School and Orefield Middle School. Any student interested in learning a string instrument is welcome to join!
Lessons during Marking Periods 1, 3, 4, 6
During marking periods 1, 3, 4, and 6 every student in orchestra will receive one instrumental group lesson each week. Lessons are on a rotational basis, which means that each week the student will have a lesson on the same weekday but during a different period so that they are only taken out of a specific class once a marking period. Teachers are aware of the lesson schedules. Students are expected to remind their teachers of the lesson and then report directly to the orchestra room. Schedules will be posted inside and outside of the orchestra room and can also be found on Schoology. If a student has a test, quiz, or very important classroom work during their lesson time, the student will stay in class to complete the work and the lesson will be rescheduled to a “make-up lesson” slot. Recording assignments are expected to be completed, regardless of lesson attendance.
Ensemble Classes during Marking Periods 2 & 5
6th Grade Orchestra, 7th Grade Orchestra, and 8th Grade Orchestra will each meet as a class during marking periods 2 and 5. Students should refer to their schedules to find out when their specific orchestra period occurs.
Concert Preparation
For concerts, each of the grade levels from both Springhouse and Orefield combine to perform in one 6th Grade Orchestra, one 7th Grade Orchestra, and one 8th Grade Orchestra from both schools. In order to combine our efforts and prepare for the Winter and Spring Concerts, there are 2 after school rehearsals at Springhouse Middle School for each of the concerts that every student is expected to attend! See the "After School Rehearsals" tab for more information.
Honors Orchestra
The Honors Orchestra is an auditioned ensemble that meets after school every Wednesday and performs more advanced repertoire for concerts and community events. Auditions will be at the end of September. If you are interested in auditioning, contact Mrs. Santanello!