Our Orchestras
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We foster the development of individual and group skills in an atmosphere of team building, commitment, and enthusiasm. NWO stresses excellence within a friendly environment.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of NWO is to inspire young people through the power of music and to become outstanding musicians, individuals, and change-makers.
WE ARE COMMUNITY
The Niles West Orchestras is much more than dedicated student musicians led by dynamic faculty – although that’s pretty great. We are community.
OUR PROGRAMS
The Niles West Orchestras offer many outlets at various levels for students interested in participating in orchestra. They include:
We foster the development of individual and group skills in an atmosphere of team building, commitment, and enthusiasm. NWO stresses excellence within a friendly environment.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of NWO is to inspire young people through the power of music and to become outstanding musicians, individuals, and change-makers.
WE ARE COMMUNITY
The Niles West Orchestras is much more than dedicated student musicians led by dynamic faculty – although that’s pretty great. We are community.
- Students – Who come together through their love of music; who learn, laugh, and make friendships that last for years.
- Parents – Who see their children grow and excel; who meet other parents through NWMPA volunteer and fundraising activities.
- Faculty – Professional musicians and experienced music educators who understand that making music is a gift that lasts a lifetime.
- Families – Whose support allows NWO to advance the music education of our students and maintain the strength of our program. We couldn’t do it without you!
OUR PROGRAMS
The Niles West Orchestras offer many outlets at various levels for students interested in participating in orchestra. They include:
- CONCERT ORCHESTRA
- Intermediate; no audition required; open to all grades
- Concert Orchestra is the non-auditioned orchestra ensemble in which all incoming freshman are enrolled, unless they have auditioned for and been placed in our other two orchestras. Students will continue to develop performance techniques and comprehensive musical skills and concepts. This orchestra explores a variety of string orchestra music repertoire.
- PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
- Intermediate advanced; director approval required; open to all grades
- Philharmonic Orchestra is open to all grade levels with audition and/or director approval. Students must be able to demonstrate proficiency on noted scales and sight reading. This orchestra explores a variety of string orchestra and chamber music repertoire.
- SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA
- Advanced; audition required; open to all grades
- Symphony Orchestra repertoire includes chamber works, string orchestra, and full orchestra from advanced and common works for schools. Repertoire focus on all classical eras up to present day as well as composition and improvisation skills. This ensemble performs several concerts each year. Students may earn honors credit for this course.
- Fall Concert - late October
- Winter Concert - December
- Illinois High School Orchestra Clinic - late February
- Orchestra Odyssey (Symphonic Orchestra only) - mid-January
- Festival of Orchestras - late March
- Chamber Festival Showcase - late April
- NWMPA Benefit Concert - early May
