Welcome to the Wolfson High School Orchestra!

The Wolfson Orchestra is open to students who play violin, viola, cello, or double bass and are interested in developing their musicianship in a collaborative and challenging ensemble. Whether you are continuing from middle school orchestra or returning to your instrument after some time away, our program is designed to help every student grow as an individual musician and as a member of an ensemble.

Students rehearse daily during the school day and perform throughout the year at school concerts and community events. Instruction focuses on developing strong technical fundamentals, music literacy, ensemble performance, and artistic expression while exploring a variety of musical styles and repertoire. Students will also have opportunities to prepare for district honor ensembles, solo and ensemble performances, and other performance experiences as the program continues to grow.

Required Materials

All orchestra students should have the following materials:

• Instrument in good playing condition

• Shoulder rest (violin/viola) or rock stop (cello)

• Rosin

• Pencil

• Folding music stand for home practice (recommended)

Required Method Books

All Students

• Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1

• Essential Elements for Strings, Book 2

Violin & Viola

• 60 Studies for the Violin (Book 1) by Franz Wohlfahrt

Cello

• 170 Foundation Studies by Alwin Schroeder, Book 1

Additional music and instructional materials will be provided throughout the school year as students progress.

About the Director

Christopher D’Avilar is the Director of Orchestras at Wolfson High School. He has been playing the violin for over 20 years and is passionate about helping students develop both technical excellence and a lifelong appreciation for music.

Before joining Wolfson, Mr. D’Avilar taught elementary music in Duval County Public Schools, where he successfully established and grew the string orchestra program at Chet’s Creek Elementary School. His work focused on creating an engaging and supportive environment that encouraged students of all experience levels to develop confidence as performers and musicians.

Mr. D’Avilar has also served as a teacher for the Elementary Community Honor Orchestra (ECHO), working with some of the district’s most accomplished young string musicians. Through his involvement with ECHO and his classroom teaching, he has helped prepare students for honor ensembles, performances, and continued musical success.

At Wolfson High School, Mr. D’Avilar is excited to build a thriving orchestra program centered on strong fundamentals, artistic expression, and meaningful performance opportunities. His goal is to foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and musicianship where every student can grow as both a performer and a leader.

Mr. D’Avilar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and is committed to inspiring the next generation of string musicians through high expectations, engaging instruction, and a genuine love of music.

We are excited to build a strong tradition of excellence at Wolfson High School and look forward to making music together!