We want you to join the Lassiter Orchestra!

The Lassiter Orchestra has a long history of musical excellence! We would love for you to be a part of it!

Read below to learn more about the Lassiter Orchestra and all we have to offer…

Four reasons to join the Lassiter orchestra and continue playing your instrument in high school...

Audition Information 2025-2026

Auditions are required only for Sinfonia (level 3) and Symphony (level 4). You will prepare required a scale and two excerpts. No audition is required for Concert Orchestra (9th grade) or Philharmonia (grades 10-12).

Audition materials can be downloaded below. Please download the audition packet for your chosen instrument. The packet contains detailed information, directions for recording, and required audition materials (scales & arpeggios, excerpts).

Audition Packets (pdf)

Auditions are recorded by the student and uploaded to an assignment in Microsoft Teams. Many students have used this platform before. There are no live auditions.

Students auditioning for Chamber Orchestra must prepare BOTH the Sinfonia audition and the Chamber audition materials – one video for each.

Placement results will be posted and sent to middle school directors sometime in late April.

Audition deadline

Auditions are due Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions...

Do I have to audition to participate in high school orchestra?

Auditions are optional. Freshmen (9th grade) students who don’t want to audition will be placed in Concert Orchestra. Upperclassmen (grades 10-12) who do not want to audition will be placed in Philharmonia. Auditions are required for students interested in participating in Sinfonia/Advanced orchestra (“Junior Varsity), or Chamber /Mastery Orchestra (“Varsity”). There are different audition requirements for these two ensembles, and information will be released on February 12, 2025. Auditions are recorded by the student and videos are due in Microsoft Teams on April 4, 2025. Your orchestra teacher will share the audition materials with you.

Can I participate in sport or other activities and still do orchestra?

Yes! We have many students who participate in all types of school-sponsored and outside sports, church groups, and other activities.

Can I still take advanced classes like honors/AP and survive HS?

Yes! Most current orchestra students are in advanced placement courses and are able to manage everything. In fact, many students will tell you that orchestra is a relaxing break from the rigors of academic classes!

What if I’m not the strongest player? Should I play in high school?

There is a place for you in the Lassiter Orchestra! With four ability-based classes we have the ability to differentiate and provide a great experience regardless of your playing level, drive, or desire. This is one of the advantages of ability-based classes over grade-based. We have students in all grades in each of our classes.

What are the different orchestra levels at Lassiter?

Lassiter offer 4 orchestra classes. Concert Orchestra is our entry level offering and is a non-auditioned class for Freshmen only. This course continues instruction after middle school and focuses on building technical skills, enhancing music reading and aural skills. Philharmonia a non-auditioned course for studetns in grades 10-12 and is the intermediate level.

Sinfonia is an advanced level auditioned orchestra for students in grades 9-12. Sinfonia can be considered our “junior varsity” orchestra.

Chamber Orchestra is the mastery level and is for students who are at the highest level of playing. Chamber Orchestras is considered our “varsity” orchestra.

Does the STEM schedule conflict with orchestra?

Sometimes there are scheduling conflicts or difficult scheduling situations. Dr. Laux makes these work the best he can. Occasionally some students may elect to forgo their lunch period so that they can remain in orchestra. When this happens, Dr. Laux is very flexible, allowing students to eat/snack during class. Dr. Laux would rather have these students eating during class than not in orchestra at all!