High School Orchestras info (Richmond, Mechanicsville: middle school, living, price)

[JayhawkFlyer]

Hello Everyone. My family is going to be relocating to Richmond this summer for work. We are primarily basing our housing decision on high schools, as both of our children will be high school age. Obviously we want a good school for education, but both of our children are pretty talented on their string instruments. I have been searching but am having difficulty finding information on which Richmond area high schools have excellent orchestra programs. Open to living north, west, or south of the city, and looking to stay under 300K. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks

[ShannonMilligan]

Originally Posted by JayhawkFlyer

Hello Everyone. My family is going to be relocating to Richmond this summer for work. We are primarily basing our housing decision on high schools, as both of our children will be high school age. Obviously we want a good school for education, but both of our children are pretty talented on their string instruments. I have been searching but am having difficulty finding information on which Richmond area high schools have excellent orchestra programs. Open to living north, west, or south of the city, and looking to stay under 300K. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks

Hi! I can't comment too much on schools, however I believe Hanover or Atlee High has a pretty active Orchestra program. I say that because I attended a state competition there for band. (My friends son was playing in the Orchestra) I would start there by giving them a call. What I can tell you is with that price point, the Mechanicsville area would be do-able, as would areas of Chesterfield and Henrico.

I recommend you go to Virginia Department of Education Report Cards site for all school info.

Please let me know if you need additional information. Happy to help.

Shannon

[ellieb128]

General Marching Band seems to be bigger than string Orchestras but your larger schools would be the first place to look, I know James River in Midlothian has a good sized orchestra.

[sls76]

My dd is in strings at moody middle school. They have a very good sized program. From there the kids spread out to Maggie walker, specialty centers, etc. but my dd knows several kids in the youth symphony. Honestly I think any high school in Hanover, Chrsterfield, or Henrico would be fine and I would be reluctant to base such a big decision on one factor.

[JayhawkFlyer]

Thanks to everyone for the information. As I stated in the original post, quality education is very important and orchestra only is not what the decision will be based on. But if all things being equal on the education side of things, our children can go to a school with a strong orchestra program, we would investigate those options first. Just trying to get as much local feedback as I can. And again, appreciate any local info I can get. On a side note, James River and Clover Hill have very average to below average rankings on Schooldigger and GreatSchools but folks on here seem to say they are great schools. Any thoughts on those two schools in particular.

[sls76]

I would contact the Youth Symphony and see if someone there can give you some insight.

I'm in Henrico so I have no information on those two schools.