DSA is committed to fostering a lifelong love of the arts in a culturally diverse, academically challenging environment.
The Denver School of the Arts Orchestra (DSAO) is an intensive program for string musicians seeking to develop their talent, understanding, and passion for music. As the Rocky Mountain Region’s only public 6-12 school for the arts, and a member of the Denver Public Schools, DSA welcomes promising young students who seek a challenging and inspiring environment in which to pursue their musical passion. Acceptance into the program is by completion of a successful audition, portfolio and interview. We welcome students of varying technical levels and ability who demonstrate talent, potential and dedication to string playing and to the art of making music.
The DSA Orchestra Program is made up of three primary performing groups: the DSA String Orchestra (high school), the Sinfonia (middle school), and the Vanguard Ensemble (8th through 12th grade honors chamber orchestra). Ancillary groups consist of high school and middle school Symphonic Orchestras and a high school Jazz Orchestra, in conjunction with the DSA Band Program, as well as chamber music ensembles, master classes and opportunities to perform in a music theater setting. The course of study at DSA is a pre-conservatory, project based model which includes daily rehearsals in large and small ensembles, music theory and musicology classes in cooperation with the other DSA music departments and various assignments designed to expose students to an array of music careers and performance opportunities. Collaboration with other majors at the school, such as dance and theatre, is encouraged and fostered.
Regional, national, and international travel is incorporated into the orchestra curricula, as a means of providing opportunities to perform at competitions and festivals, exposing students to master classes, clinics and adjudications with world class music professionals, promoting global awareness and evolving cultural ambassadorship.
Our Goals and Philosophy
DSAO’s main goal is to provide opportunity for students to develop the confidence and skills needed to perform with accuracy and expression, in order that they may experience the joy of performing with fellow musicians in a public setting and for their own enrichment.
Our philosophy is to provide an environment where students feel nurtured and challenged by their peers and instructors as a means of attaining their true potential.
Students’ progress and preparation are measured according to standards established by the state of Colorado, the American String Teachers Association, the Music Educators National Conference and instructor-developed rubrics. Although not required, DSA orchestra students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons with a professional musician in the Denver area.
Parents are integral members of the orchestra family. The DSA Orchestra Family Association is the parent volunteer organization that provides myriad support to the orchestra program, students and the director.
The DSA Orchestra values its connection to the larger community. We are fortunate to host world-renowned artists and professional musicians from our community to supplement instruction through coaching, master classes and concerts. Relationships with local and national universities, music schools and conservatories are cultivated. The DSA Orchestra is also a proud partner with the Denver Young Artists Orchestra. We give back to our community through public performances and we continually seek ways for our members to participate in music-oriented service projects throughout the Denver Metropolitan area and beyond.
The DSA Orchestra recognizes that music adds beauty and texture to our lives; the study of music is not frivolous, but rather essential and practical. It is our hope that our students will develop the skills and appreciation necessary to continue their musical education in college or conservatory and pursue music as a profession. However, this is not required. In fact, many of our students go on to other professions and we applaud their endeavors. We see our role in our community as one of educating young people to be patrons of the Arts: those who will understand and appreciate the vital role music plays in our lives; those who will support the arts financially and through active attendance; and finally, those who will nurture a passion for the arts in their children and extended families.
The orchestra department has three divisions: Sinfonia for grades 6-8, Symphony for grades 9-12 and the Vanguard Ensemble which is a combination of the best musicians from all grades (by audition only).
Opportunities for DSA orchestra majors include:
- Mentoring from visiting professional artists (CSO, Lakewood Symphony, CSU)
- Full Symphony experiences with DSA band’s brass, woodwinds and percussion
- Weekly chamber music with concert opportunities
- Performances on local radio and television stations
- Unique opportunities such as performances with Mark Wood using electric violins and cellos at DSA in 2010, or with the band Firefall (with Jock Barley) in 2011 at the Wells Fargo Theatre
- Wombat weekend orchestra retreat
- Participation in City-Wide Orchestra, Western State Music Festival, All-State Honor Orchestra, Solo and Ensemble Festival
- International Travel such as Costa Rica in 2010
- Music Theory classes include: Fundamentals, Harmonic Analysis, Music History, Notation and Chart Writing, Sightsinging and Solfege, World Music, Composition and Improvisation….