• The Jenks String Orchestra is the fourth level ensemble of the Jenks Orchestra program. 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 a higher-level orchestra. The 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 middle school-level skills, with the understanding that these skills will continue to be developed through technique exercises and new music. String Orchestra students are encouraged to take private lessons.

  • The Jenks Concert Orchestra is the third level ensemble of the Jenks Orchestra program. This group is also open to all grade levels by audition only, and students do not need 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 in this ensemble are expected to have intermediate reading skills, and repertoire is selected from arrangements of standard works and grade 3-4 string orchestra literature. Concert Orchestra students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons.

  • The Jenks Philharmonic Orchestra is the second-highest level ensemble within the Jenks Orchestra program. Open to all grade levels by audition only, students do not need to re-audition each year to remain in the ensemble. This orchestra performs at concerts, contests, and festivals throughout the year, with minimal time required outside of the normal school day. Students are expected to have strong reading skills, and repertoire is selected from arrangements of standard masterworks, along with grade 4-5 string orchestra literature. Philharmonic Orchestra students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons.

  • The Jenks Symphony Orchestra is the highest level ensemble and is largely a performance-oriented group. 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 symphony orchestra, along with grade 4 to 6 full orchestra literature. In addition to the string section, the ensemble includes winds, brass, and percussion. Wind, brass, and percussion players are expected to be enrolled in the Jenks Band as well. All Symphony Orchestra students are strongly and seriously encouraged to take private lessons.

  • The Jenks Chamber Orchestra is an advanced, small-ensemble group within the Jenks Orchestra program. Open to all grade levels by audition only, this ensemble is intended for students who demonstrate strong independent musicianship and a commitment to high-level music-making. In addition to concerts and contests, students in Chamber Orchestra will focus on chamber music that highlights refined technique, musical interpretation, and advanced ensemble collaboration. This ensemble emphasizes preparation for All-State auditions and provides additional solo and small-ensemble performance opportunities. Students in Chamber Orchestra must also participate in one of the other Jenks orchestras. Chamber Orchestra students are strongly encouraged to take private lessons.

  • Auditions are due April 18, 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year.

    Click here for the audition form.

    All students who enroll or may later enroll in the Jenks High School Orchestra for the 2025-2026 school year may choose to audition for the Concert, Philharmonic, or Symphony 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 Symphony Orchestra must audition or re-audition. 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.

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

  • Click here for the 2024-2025 JHS Orchestra Handbook

  • Click here for our uniform policy

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

  • The On-Campus Lessons Program provides Jenks High School orchestra students with the opportunity to take private lessons during the school day from qualified instructors. These lessons are tailored to support each student’s growth and musical goals, conveniently scheduled to minimize conflicts with classes and extracurricular activities. Participating in this program helps students advance their technique, build confidence, and deepen their love for music—all without ever leaving campus.

    The program is subsidized by fundraising from our orchestra boosters. Participating students are asked to pay $30 a month, which is half the cost of the program.