Under the direction of Mr. Conte, the Cheltenham, Wyncote, Glenside, & Myers Elementary School Orchestras provide meaningful and enjoyable musical experiences to its players, its audiences, and the community at large. Providing two concerts to the school community annually, the elementary orchestras in the Cheltenham School District are a new addition to the newly reconfigured K-5 elementary schools. I believe that music provides students with unique opportunities to discover their own identity and explore how they learn. In orchestra, students learn not only how to play their instruments, but also how to problem solve, think critically, and self evaluate. Though each orchestra may only rehearse for less than one hour every week, over the course of the school year students will perform many pieces in diverse styles and participate in many new exciting musical performance opportunities. There is no better time than when students are young to introduce them to music, and by joining the orchestra, students are able to discover and explore the joy and music that music has to offer. 

At each elementary school, there are two different orchestras. The beginning orchestra as well as the advanced orchestra. 

One of the best things about the orchestra is that it has no requirements to join. As long as you are a 4th or 5th grade student, you are welcome to join. No fees and no prior experience are necessary- just a permission slip and an instrument. Orchestra is a place for new friends, new skills, and lots of fun. The orchestras are more than just groups of developing string players- our orchestras form a community of students who are driven to learn more, explore music, and discover themselves.