Welcome to the West Ottawa Orchestra website! Above, you will find links in the drop-down menus to important information, such as concert calendars, and links to important websites. Please bookmark this page and check back often, so you can stay up-to-date with information regarding the orchestra program at WO! Program Overview
The orchestra program at West Ottawa consists of approximately 350 students in grades 6-12. The orchestras regularly receive first division ratings at MSBOA District Festival. The WOHS Chamber Orchestra has performed at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids in 2014 and 2018, as one of the top orchestras in the state.
Students start in orchestra during 6th grade, where there are separate orchestra for each grade level, which all meet daily. Students in 6th grade orchestra perform three concerts (December, March, and May). Students in 7th & 8th grade orchestra perform regular concerts in December and May, and also participate in MSBOA District Orchestra Festival and Solo & Ensemble.
In high school, there are three ability-based orchestras: Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra, as well as the extra-curricular rock orchestra The Rock Stops. Students are placed in ensembles based on auditions in the spring of the previous year. Symphony Orchestra performs with select members of the band as a full orchestra, and performs for the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony in November. Chamber Orchestra performs at numerous events throughout our district and community. Recently, they have performed at the HS Holiday Assembly, Holland Hospital, Freedom Village, Dazzle! (formerly Tulip Time Salute), and Convocation.