• The Jenks String Orchestra is the third level ensemble of the Jenks Orchestra. This ensemble requires no audition and is open to students in any grade level. Students will automatically be placed in this ensemble if they choose not to audition for an upper level orchestra. This orchestra will perform at concerts, contests, and festivals throughout the year, with minimal time required outside of the normal school day. Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of all middle school level skills, with the understanding that these skills will continue to be developed both through technique exercises and new music. String Orchestra students are encouraged to take private lessons.

  • The Jenks Concert Orchestra is the second level ensemble of the Jenks Orchestra. This ensemble is open to all grade levels by audition only, but students do not have to re-audition each year to remain in the ensemble. This orchestra will perform at concerts, contests, and festivals throughout the year, with minimal time required outside of the normal school day. Students are expected to have moderately high reading skills, and repertoire is selected from arrangements of standard masterworks, along with grade 3-5 string orchestra repertoire. Concert Orchestra students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons.

  • The Jenks Chamber Orchestra is the highest level ensemble and is largely a performance oriented ensemble. In addition to various concerts, contests, and festivals, this orchestra will perform at community events throughout the year. Comprised of a majority of upperclassmen, this ensemble is open to all grade levels by audition only, and students must re-audition every year. Students are expected to have high reading skills and repertoire is selected from the standard masterworks for string orchestra, along with grade 4 to 6 string orchestra repertoire. Students in the Chamber Orchestra will also participate in a full orchestra setting, rehearsing outside the school day with members of the JHS Band program to perform symphonic repertoire. All Chamber Orchestra students are strongly and seriously encouraged to take private lessons*.

    *In the past, Chamber students have been required to take lessons. This will not be a requirement for the 2023-2024 school year but after that, it will once again be required. Hopefully by then, we'll have structures in place to help with cost and schedule difficulties.

  • Auditions are due April 14, 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year.

    All students who enroll or may later enroll in the Jenks High School Orchestra for the 2024-2025 school year may choose to audition for the Concert or Chamber Orchestra, depending on what level of music they feel they can succeed at performing. Students may be placed in a lower orchestra than they audition for and will not be placed in a higher orchestra than the one they audition for (outside of special circumstances). All students who are recommended by their previous orchestra director (i.e. signed enrollment card) will at least be placed in the String Orchestra.

    Student placement will be mostly based on student performance in the audition and the answers provided in the survey. There will be minimal consideration given to student's age or grade, performance in previous ensembles, academic eligibility, or behavior in class.

    Any student who wants to be in the Chamber Orchestra must audition or re-audition. To audition for the Chamber Orchestra, click here.

    Any student who was previously in the Concert Orchestra does not need to audition to remain. Incoming freshmen and students who were previously in the String Orchestra who want to be in the Concert Orchestra must audition. To audition for the Concert Orchestra, click here.

    If you have any questions about the audition process, email Mr. Atkinson at wes.atkinson@jenksps.org.

  • Click here for the 2023-2024 JHS Orchestra Handbook

  • Click here for our uniform policy

  • Mr. Atkinson directs the String, Concert, and Chamber Orchestras. Mrs. Duncan assists with the String Orchestra. Mrs. Wheaton Assists with the Concert and Chamber Orchestras. Click here to learn more about the Jenks Orchestra staff.