High School Orchestra (Bellevue, Redmond, Woodinville: transfer, middle school, move)

[seattlebound09]

I am being transferred to a job on the East Side (border of Bellevue and Redmond). It really is a blow to my son (14) since we just moved a year ago and we promised him that we would not move while he was in high school. But in this economy, I do not think I can turn down the transfer. Having said that, we are looking for the best high school for him in the area. I think we have it narrowed down to Interlake, Redmond, or Woodinville. I would be interested in opinions about any of these or other Eastside high schools. More importantly, he is very into orchestra. While he will never make it a career, he has been first chair cello throughout middle school and freshman year of high school, and I think it will be one of the major ways he will integrate into a new school. Which of the three high schools above have the best orchestra program? Other than Bellevue, are there any youth symphonies in the area? Any insight would be appreciated.

[jenlion]

I don't know about local orchestras, but I do have cold water for you. :-( High school kids aren't known for their maturity. I'd look into whether they are particularly competitive or petty in the orchestra program. If there's an established pecking order and your son comes in and upsets it, it could go quite badly for him. He might be the best cello player there, but the people that USED to be the best cello players, and THEIR friends, might not be exactly welcoming. And could very quickly start an anti-your-kid campaign that could take years to get over.

I hope it doesn't go over that way, but it is something to keep in mind. Kids are cruel. It might be something worth discussing ahead of time with the conductors -- if they know how competitive or open the kids are. Hopefully he'd be in an orchestra where the other kids are happy for the addition of a talented person that makes them all look better, but I'm betting they're not all that way!

Good luck in the move, in any case, and I hope you find the right school and setting for your family!