About the Program
West High School is proud to offer orchestra. The Iowa High School Music Association sanctions our high school orchestra festivals and events. The West High orchestra has been steadily growing in numbers over the past 15 years. Through involvement in orchestra, students learn valuable life skills including teamwork, concentration and focus, and confidence.
Students in Action
Events
Madrigal Dinner – The West High School choir department puts on an annual Madrigal dinner—which has been in existence for nearly 40 years. The choir department collaborates with the West High drama club and the West High orchestra in order to make this event a success!
USD Symphonic Clinic – Each year, the USD’s Symphonic Band and its directors provide a clinic for nearly 300 high school musicians. Students perform for the college musicians who give them tips to improve their playing.
Annual WHS Symphonic Orchestra Concert – The West High full symphonic orchestra puts on an annual concert featuring various wind, brass, and percussion players from the West High band.
Sioux City Symphony Orchestra Principal Players Program – Middle and high school students who participate in the Principal Players Program receive additional instruction and guidance from the lead string players of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra.
Honors Orchestras and Festivals – Students can also choose to prepare, audition, and participate in honors orchestras and festivals. These events include, but are not limited to, the Iowa All-State Festival, the Northwest Iowa Honors Orchestra, the Dorian Orchestra Festival, the University of South Dakota Orchestra Festival, the Iowa String Teachers Association Orchestra Festival, and the IHSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival.
View Upcoming Orchestra Events
Participants
- Kiara Albertsen
- Sophia Becerra
- Emma Blanche
- Haden Collett
- Dakota Dawdy
- Cielos Doenhoefer
- Aeris Eberly
- Iris Engelhardt
- Antonio Ferraro
- Ryleigh Fick
- Nancy Flores
- Jaxn Force
- Marin Frazee
- Vada “Otis” Garner
- Easton Gelinne
- Abby Hammer
- Ian Ivener-Hansen
- Candace Klink
- Olivia Krogh
- Doris Mateo
- Gustavo Orellana Santos
- Liam Pacatte
- Anatasha Painter
- Libby Patten
- Adrianna Perez
- Jadyn Perez
- Shane Porsch
- Mercedes Ramirez
- Adrianna Rodriguez
- Gwendolyne Rogers
- Briana Stanley
- Minh Tran
- Jeffrey Viera Martinez
- Lisbet Vigil Rodriguez
- Alondra Zermeño Mendez
Honors and Awards
In 2019, the WHS orchestra celebrated it’s first acceptance into the Iowa All-State Orchestra in over 15 years. Antonio Ferraro was a member of the 1st violin section in this prestigious event.
Northwest Iowa Honors Orchestra Participants
- Iris Engelhardt, bass, 2020
- Antonio Ferraro, violin, 2020
Meet the Director
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- Kristin Ortmann
- ortmank@live.siouxcityschools.com