Welcome!
This orchestra represents a city that considers music a very important part of life. Beginning this school year, 2011-12 Free State will be comprised of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.
The fall opens with a concert presented at the end of the first quarter. Mid winter the orchestra accompanies student soloists on the Concerto Aria Concert. During the spring the ensemble competes at the state large group festival and joins younger string players in an area concert. The year is completed with a Senior Recognition Concert. Every three years the students travel. Since Free State opened in 1997 the orchestra has performed at Disneyland, Los Angeles and Depauw University, Chicago and Washington, D.C. The spring of 2010 the orchestra joined Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Il for a joint music day.
Individual members of orchestra have the opportunity to take private lessons, perform in smaller ensembles and audition for honor groups sponsored by the Kansas Music Educator’s Association. Many of these students perform in band and choir at Free State.
The Free State Orchestra is part of a strong fine arts program in the Lawrence Public Schools. This program endorses the following Mission Statement: “Music is an essential part of the total school curriculum. Students possessing musical skills, knowledge and appreciation will be better prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges that await them in today’s society. It is the mission of the Lawrence Public Schools Instrumental Music program to provide each of its students with the skills required to meet these challenges by developing individual creativity, expression, cultural awareness and a greater sense of self-worth.”
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