Though TJ is a school for science and technology, many students choose to continue music studies at the curricular and extracurricular level. Numerous music groups at TJ perform at school events, regular concerts, and competitions.
Orchestra is a class at TJ that you can take for credit. You will play in one of two advanced levels for a 40 minute block on Monday, and 95 minute block on Tuesday/Thursday or Wednesday/Friday. The orchestras all play at a Fall Concert, Winter Concert, District XI Assessment, and the Spring Concert. All orchestra members also have the option of going on the Spring Trip, for which destinations have included Chicago, Atlanta, and Disneyland. Members of the Symphonic Orchestra also play at the annual Viennese Ball, one of the most popular school dances of the year and a fundraiser for the orchestras.
As an orchestra member, you have the opportunity to audition for Senior District Orchestra, Senior Regional Orchestra, All-State Orchestra, and Solo & Ensemble. In the Winter and Spring concerts, the Symphonic orchestra performs full orchestra pieces with TJ Band members. There are other opportunities to play in smaller chamber ensembles at TJ events, and individual practice rooms are open during lunch and 8th period for those who sign up on ion.tjhsst.edu.
TJ orchestra is a wonderful opportunity to play advanced music with other students who love to make music in addition to focusing on academics. With proper planning, it is possible to take orchestra for all of your years at TJ. You can still fulfill all the academic requirements (including CS) while receiving a top-notch musical education at school.
Feel free to attend any of our concerts during the year to see and hear the orchestras for yourself.
See you in the music wing!
Any questions? You can contact our director Ms. Bailey at akbailey@fcps.edu.