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High School
The Kirkwood High School Symphonic Orchestra made an unprecedented appearance at the renowned Carnegie Hall in 2010.
The orchestra was one of three music groups selected nationwide to perform at the 2010 Instrumental Music Festival hosted by the Field Studies Center of New York. The students, their parents, KHS alumni and the Kirkwood community united in a year-long “Road to Carnegie Hall” fundraising campaign to raise the $72,000 necessary for the four-day trip.
Under the direction of Orchestra Director Patrick Jackson, the students played a very difficult and yet eclectic program which included: Overture: Our Creed is Our Shield (Claude T. Smith);Theme from Schindler’s List (John Williams); Hoe Down from Rodeo for String Orchestra (Aaron Copland); Adagio for Strings (Samuel Barber). The students received four standing ovations.
Ruth Ezell produced a half-hour news segment on the Carnegie trip. The program has aired repeatedly on KETC Ch. 9's Living St. Louis show the past month. To view the segment:
http://livingstlouis.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/living-st-louis-video-kirkwood-high-school-orchestra/
2011-12 KHS Symphonic Orchestra
High school orchestra classes meet for a 55-minute class period on a seven-day cycle schedule, and are divided into two orchestras.
The Symphonic Orchestra, directed by Patrick Jackson, meets daily, with pull-out rehearsal with winds and percussion. Students can participate in various chamber ensembles throughout the school year. They also have opportunities for solo performances at orchestra concerts. With an enrollment of approximately 60 students, this group studies a variety of orchestral periods and styles with an emphasis on 20th century American music.
The Concert Orchestra, directed by Fariga Drayton, meets daily and consists of approximately 40 students, grades 9-12. This orchestra has existed for nearly ten years, but has evolved immensely over the past seven in both size and ability. Throughout the year, these students focus on creating a solid foundation regarding technique and ensemble playing. This group also focuses on sight reading skills, as well as concentrating on a varied genre of performance pieces.
