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Orchestra
The Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Orchestra Program is one of the finest high school orchestra programs in the nation. Under the direction of Brian Griffin, Director of Orchestras, the orchestra program at DA consists of three string orchestras, ranging from a training-level ensemble through an advanced Chamber Orchestra, which regularly performs FOA Grade A-level literature. A Symphony Orchestra performs periodically throughout the year and meets after school.
Students come from all over Northeast Florida to participate in this rigorous, high-quality program. Each orchestra meets for 90 minutes on an A/B block schedule. All students are double-blocked into at least two classes, giving them the opportunity to attend an orchestra class every day. In addition to orchestra classes, students receive instruction in Music Theory, Keyboard, Music History, Recording, and Electronic Music. String Pedagogy, where DA students learn to teach strings through clinical experiences at Pine Forest Elementary School and LaVilla Middle School, was added to the curriculum in 2014-15. A Chamber Music class, as well as master classes, lectures, and special performances with world-class performers round out the learning opportunities offered at DA.
Orchestras at DA have consistently received superior ratings at the Florida Orchestra Association District Festivals/Music Performance Assessments. In 2012, the DA Chamber Orchestra performed at the 66th annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. In 2010, 2012,and 2016 the Orchestra Program contributed to the DA Music Department being recognized as the National Signature School by the GRAMMY Foundation.
Between 2009 and 2015 Douglas Anderson Orchestra graduating classes have averaged $1 million in scholarship offers to leading colleges and conservatories.