Orchestra

Mira Costa Orchestra Program

Founded in the fall of 2002 with a string orchestra of just 19 students, the Mira Costa Orchestra Program has grown under the leadership of current director Peter Park, and now involves more than 150 student musicians, with a reputation as one of the premier high school programs in the state of California. Our young musicians enjoy a robust curriculum augmented by a variety of enriching experiences, requiring much attention and effort each and every year from students, parents and faculty.

Known for presenting diverse and quality programming, Mira Costa Orchestras prepare multiple concerts annually, drawing from the major orchestral repertoire. Since the spring of 2010 they have premiered nine new compositions written expressly for them, including an original piece by GRAMMY- and multiple Emmy Award-winning composer Lee Holdridge.

Mira Costa Orchestras have presented numerous times at state-level music education conferences while performing at internationally renowned venues including Beijing Concert Hall, the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, Bella Concert Hall in Calgary, Palau de la Música de València, Palau de Música Catalan in Barcelona, and twice each at Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall. The advanced ensembles have earned the highest ratings possible at every festival and contest in which they have taken part.

In 2012 the Mira Costa Orchestras were selected for a premier status partnership with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In 2014 they were awarded the prestigious GRAMMY® Signature Gold Award for being a top three high school music program in the United States. In 2015 the California Department of Education designated Mira Costa High School as a Gold Ribbon School through the strength of its Performing Arts Department.

Due to the level of training, rehearsal, performance and professionalism taught to students over the years in orchestra, many have gone on to play in prestigious college music programs, either as a career or to continue as a hobby.

Audition Information

• General audition is optional for district students.
• Advance audition required for consideration into Sinfonietta or Symphony.
• District students submit auditions in May.
• Out-of-district students arrange on an individual basis.
• Results are announced before the end of the school year.

Audition questions: Peter Park — ppark@mbusd.org

Season Overview

Season

Year-round

Practice Schedule

School-day class, plus after-school rehearsals one day a week depending on ensemble

Club Website & Social