South County HS Orchestra

South County High School
Orchestra
SPRING CONCERT & AWARDS
Join us on TUESDAY, MAY 20 at 6:30PM in the SCHS Auditorium for our Spring Concert and annual Awards Night. The Orchestras will perform a "Night at the Movie" and feature three talented Senior Solos. DON'T MISS IT!
Hello & Welcome!
The South County High School Orchestras, located in Lorton, VA (Fairfax County) consists of roughly 125 students in grades 9-12 performing throughout four ensembles. The SCHS Orchestras have a longstanding tradition of excellence, consistently earning high ratings at VBODA events as well as various festivals across the East coast. The SCHS Orchestra program strives to provide the highest quality musical experience for all students with the hopes of fostering a love of music that will extend well beyond the classroom. Members of the SCHS Orchestras are challenged to develop both strong individual skills and the necessary ensemble skills to ensure a polished performance. The SCHS Orchestras offers a collaborative, supportive and fun environment where students can be a part of something larger than themselves.
Meet the Director

Marci Swift
Director of Orchestras
Marci Swift is a native to Northern Virginia and a product of Prince William County Schools. Ms. Swift graduated from The University of South Carolina with a Bachelors in Music and a Minor in Business Administration. While at USC, she studied violin with Donald Portnoy and participated in the nationally recognized teacher training program, the USC String Project. Ms. Swift earned a Masters in Music Education from Georgia State University while teaching in the Cobb County School District outside of Atlanta, GA.

Ms. Swift returned to Northern Virginia (Fairfax County) in 2004. She taught at Holmes MS from 2004-2011 and Kilmer Middle School from 2011-2018. Mrs. Swift joined the South County faculty in 2018. Under her direction, Ms. Swift's orchestras consistently receive superior ratings at State Assessment and various competitions in the mid-Atlantic area. Ms. Swift's Orchestras have been selected to perform at the VMEA state conference three times: with the Holmes MS Concert Orchestra (2007), the Kilmer MS Symphonic Orchestra (2014) and the South County HS Chamber Orchestra (2023). She has served as both a guest conductor and an adjudicator for various Districts across the state of Virginia and conducted the United String Ensemble for the Youth Orchestras of Fairfax for 5 years. Mrs. Swift served as co-director of the Vienna Summer Strings program for seven years.

Ms. Swift lives in Woodbridge, VA with her husband Mike, her two children, Kendall and Collin, and their dogs - a miniature dachshund, Slinky, a miniature labradoodle, Annie, and a Doodle, Ted.
Calendar
2025-2026

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE CALENDAR

MAY 2025
2 - Solo & Ensemble at Poe MS
2-3 - Spring Musical
9-10 - Spring Musical
19 - AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSAL (3:10-5PM)
20- Spring Orchestra Concert (6:30pm)
26 - NO SCHOOL

JUNE 2025
4 - GRADUATION at Eagle Bank Arena (7pm) - Philharmonic and Chamber perform
11 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

AUGUST 2025
18 - FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
22 - ES Recruitment Tour (Chamber Only)
22 - ORCHientation PICNIC at Laurel Hill Central Green (5-7pm)
26 - Instrument Petting Zoo in cafeteria (6:30-8pm)

SEPTEMBER 2025
9 - Tri-M Interest Meeting in Choir Room (3:10pm)
13 - TAG DAY (8am-4pm)
30 - JRO/SRO Auditions at SCHS

OCTOBER 2025
10 - Tri-M Applications Due
14 - ES Masquerade Clinic at SCMS (4:15-5:30pm)
14 - PIE SALE BEGINS
25 - ES Masquerade Workshop at SCHS (8am-12pm)
28 - PIE SALE ENDS
28 - MASQUERADE CONCERT 7pm
31 - End of Q1/Early Release

NOVEMBER 2025
6 - Tri-M Induction Ceremony in Silverbox, 6:30pm
10 - DHO Auditions at Justice HS
14-15 - SRO Event at Colgan HS (PWCS)
17 - PIE DELIVERY (pick-up in Orchestra Room)

DECEMBER 2025
1 - Carmina Rehearsal (Chamber Only) 3:10-6pm
2 - Carmina Performance (Chamber Only) 7pm
6 - SCHS Craft Show (Volunteer Holiday Performances)
9 - Instrumental Winter Showcase (SO, PO and bands) 7PM, SCHSAuditorium
15 - Tiny Tots Rehearsal (3:15 – 5PM) -CHAMBER
16 - Tiny TotsPerformance (10AM, 1PM, 6:30PM) - CHAMBER

JANUARY 2026
16-17 - DHO EVENT at ACHS
28 - End Q2/ Early Release

FEBRUARY 2026
26 - Pre-Assessment CONCERTS (6/7:30pm)
28 - All-State Auditions at JMU

MARCH 2026
6-7 - ORCHESTRA ASSESSMENT at Edison HS (reserve both days; specific date/time TBD)
27 - End Q3; Early Release

APRIL 2026
16-18 - All-State Event in Richmond
22 - 4th Grade Spring String Extravaganza at SCMS
23-25 - SPRING MUSICAL
24- Solo & Ensemble Festival at Holmes MS

MAY 2026
18 - AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSAL (All groups)
19 - SPRING CONCERT & AWARDS, 6:30pm

JUNE 2026
17 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
CURRENT Students
Important Info for all current SCHS Orchestra students.
2024-2025 REQUIRED COURSE DOCUMENTS
Orchestra COURSE SYLLABUS
Orchestra HANDBOOK
Instrument RENTAL FORM
OPTIONAL
SCHS Orchestra Leadership Application must be logged into fcpsschools.net account to access
SCHS Orchestra Academic Letter Application
SCHS Tri-M Music Honor Society Member Application must be logged into fcpsschools.net account to access
SENIOR REGIONAL ORCHESTRA 2024
Audition Date: Tuesday, October 1 at Justice High School.
Audition Material - must be logged into fcpsschools.net (student account) to access.
Event Date: (if selected) Thursday - Saturday, November 7-9 at Hayfield SS
DISTRICT HONORS ORCHESTRA 2024-2025
Audition Date: Tuesday, November 13 at Justice High School.
Audition Material - must be logged into fcpsschools.net (student account) to access.
Event Date: (if selected) Friday/Saturday, January 10-11 at Alexandria City HS
PRIVATE LESSONS
Interested in finding a private teacher outside of school? Great! CLICK HERE for a list of teachers in the area. Or check Schoology for the most up to date list.
2024 SPRING PERFORMANCE & SLIDE SHOW
Congrats to the Class of 2024!!
CONCERT LINK
SCHS Orchestra Booster Club SENIOR Scholarship
The SCHS Orchestra Booster Club offers scholarships for deserving students.

Guidelines for Scholarship
Scholarship requirements for the student in order of importance include:
Must be presently enrolled in a SCHS Orchestra class
Must be a SCHS graduating senior
Must be planning to attend a 2-year or 4-year college, university, or music conservatory
Must have demonstrated commitment and service to the orchestra during their years at SCHS which may include the following:
Participation in school-related orchestra events, such as Governor’s School for Music, All-Virginia Orchestra, Senior Regional Orchestra, FCPS District X Honors Orchestra, FCPS Solo & Ensemble Festival, and SCHS pit orchestra
Membership in Tri-M Music Honor Society
Involvement in SCHS orchestra fund-raisers
Participation in other orchestra-related events, such as membership in a community orchestra/symphony, private lesson study, and summer music camp.
Must have participated in the FCPS District X Honors Orchestra and/or the FCPS Solo & Ensemble Festival at least once during their high school years
Must submit the APPLICATION with requested information including an essay on the required topic
Must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
Financial need is not considered for this scholarship
Scholarship is non-renewable
Considering a Degree in Music?
If you are considering making music your career, be sure to make plans to visit the Performing and Visual Arts College Fair, held each fall at the convention center in DC!
Click here for more details on the date and time.
You'll find almost every college and music conservatory in the country represented there. It's helpful to decide ahead of time which schools you want to consider so that you can make the best use of your time.
NEW Students for 2025-2026
Students NEW to SCHS enrolled in Orchestra are expected to audition for placement in an advanced ensemble. Advanced level courses receive a .5 weighted GPA.
This is a low pressure audition where you are able to demonstrate your performance ability through performance of scales and excerpts. Input from your previous director will also be taken into consideration for final class placement.

Auditions for all rising 9th grade students will take place on
TUESDAY, APRIL 1 (teacher workday) from 9AM-2PM.
CLICK HERE to schedule your audition time.

Students who choose NOT to audition will be placed in Concert Orchestra
for the 2025-2026 school year.
ALL STUDENTS with prior experience should plan to audition.

Returning SCHS students who wish to advance beyond their recommended
placement may prepare the below audition material.
Returning student auditions will take place April 2 during Stallion Time.
Email Mrs. Swift to be requested.
2025-2026 AUDITION MATERIAL
VIOLIN
VIOLA
CELLO
BASS
RISING 9th GRADE AUDITION SIGN UP
CLICK HERE to select your audition date/time.
FAQs
Do I need to buy an instrument? Students can choose to rent or purchase an instrument from a local vendor. See Mrs. Swift for recommendations. Students may also choose to rent an instrument through FCPS/SCHS. See Mrs. Swift for details.
Is there an Orchestra uniform? The "uniform" for all orchestra performances is "concert black". This consists of an entirely black outfit (from shoulders to toes) that looks professional and school appropriate. Students may also purchase orchestra spirtwear if they so choose.
How do I move into a higher orchestra class? Students new to SCHS will complete a formal audition for class placement. See above. Students returning to SCHS will be placed based on their performance throughout the previous year(s).
Do I have to participate in all after school activities and even performances? Yes. All after school/evening events associated with this class are a course requirement per fcps regulation 3922. Students who have conflicts can discuss possible solutions with Mrs. Swift.
How can I fit Orchestra in my schedule all four years of high school? Great question! YES you can fit orchestra ALL four years with a little flexibility and creativity. SEE THIS DOCUMENT with suggested scheduling ideas. Remember that Mrs. Swift and your counselor are here to help you! Just ask!
Have another question? Just email Mrs. Swift at mlswift@fcps.edu
SoCo Pyramid Strings
The South County (SoCo) Pyramid is composed of South County HS, South County MS, Halley ES, Laurel Hill ES, Newington Forest ES, Silverbrook ES & some students from Lorton Station ES.
Masquerade
SoCo Strings students in grades 5-12 participate in the Halloween themes performance at the end of October. ES students participate in 2 clinics at the MS and 1 workshop at the HS to help them prepare for this exciting performance.
6th Grade Snow Show
The SoCo Pyramid 6th grade strings students join the MS students for this side by side performance in December/January. This is a great opportunity for these future middle schoolers to ge the lay of the land and make a future MS friend!
4th Grade Spring String Extravaganza
The title says it all! The SoCo 4th Grade strings students join together for an afternoon/evening of fun music! These students will experience what it feels like to play in a (very) large ensemble and will show their parents all they have learned in such a short time. This even takes place the middle school in April.
Click HERE for the 2025 Concert Program
SCHS Orchestra Spirit Wear
Click the button below to shop!
SHOP SPIRIT WEAR
Orchestra Booster Club
The mission of the South County High School Orchestra Booster Club (SCHS OBC) is to support the Orchestra director and students so that they will have an enjoyable and successful year. We carry out fundraising events to provide funding for orchestra music events, the purchase and maintenance of orchestra equipment's, and many other forms of support. As parent/guardian of SCHS orchestra student(s), you are automatically a member of SCHS OBC. There are no membership fees and all of our orchestra concerts are free and open to the public. With this in mind, please consider becoming an Orchestra Patron and/or help us get the word out to individuals and businesses (e.g., any of your regular service providers) that might be interested in supporting our orchestra program. All donors will be listed in the orchestra concert programs and on the orchestra website unless they wish to remain anonymous. A business can make a contribution and advertise at the same time. The SCHS OBC is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE to the extent of the law; a tax receipt will be provided to donors. Please select Become an Orchestra Patron to see the patron categories. Donations may be mailed to the address on the form or sent in via orchestra students. We greatly appreciate your contribution and thank you for your support!

Mitzi Flint, President EMAIL
Acts as Orchestra liaison with the school and community. Oversees financial and operational activities of Committee to assure compliance with the Orchestra Bylaws. Conducts periodic meetings of the Orchestra Booster Committee. Approves expenditures and co-signs checks with Orchestra Treasurer. Prepares annual budget with Treasurer and Director. Drafts communications to be sent to Orchestra Families.
Jenniffer Vazquez, Vice President EMAIL
Fulfills functions of President in his/her absence and assists President as requested. Processes Student forms and follows up on any missing forms/fees. Assists with Pie Day Delivery Day.
Maureen Eck, Secretary EMAIL
Takes minutes at Orchestra Committee meetings and forwards to President. Keeps official records of meetings and other Board actions, as well as original copies of Corporation paperwork. Sends Thank You notes and other correspondence as requested. Communicates with SCHS Career Center to facilitate the Orchestra Booster Scholarship application process. Coordinates the ordering of Senior Gifts and end of the year awards.
Theresa Hull, Treasurer EMAIL
Establishes a bank account for the organization and keeps a record of orchestra finances. Provides financial reports at Committee meetings. Deposits monies received from Fundraisers. Processes requests for reimbursement of volunteer expenses and other approved expenses. Co-signs checks with Orchestra President. Assists President and Director in preparing Annual Budget. Prepares annual taxes and registration paperwork and remits fees in a timely manner.
Fundraising Coordinator, Annie Matis
Organizes and assists Board members with Tag Day, Pie Sales, and other fundraisers. Helps place pie orders, coordinate pie delivery, and promote Spirit Wear and other sales. Solicits patrons and donations from community members and businesses.
Concert Reception, Tina Wrubluski
Organizes and assists Board members with all concert reception orgranization and execution.
Meeting Notes
AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST - email Secretary

SCHS Orchestra Booster Club Bylaws
CLICK HERE to view
Become a Booster Patron
Please consider becoming an Orchestra Patron and/or help us get the word out to individuals and businesses (e.g., any of your regular service providers) that might be interested in supporting our orchestra program. All donors will be listed in the orchestra concert programs and on the orchestra website unless they wish to remain anonymous.
A business can make a contribution and advertise at the same time. The SCHS OBC is a 501(c)(3) organization
and all donations are TAX-DEDUCTIBLE to the extent of the law; a tax receipt will be provided to donors.
Donations may be made via Paypal (link below), mailed to South County HS, or sent in via orchestra students.
We greatly appreciate your contribution and thank you for your support!

Legato
$25
Your name will be listed as a Legato Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Forte
$50
Your name will be listed as a Forte Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Allegro
$100
Your name (or business card or 1/4 page ad) will be listed as an Allegro Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Virtuoso
$250
Your name (or business card or 1/2 page ad) will be listed as a Virtuoso Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Maestro
$500
Your name (or business card or 3/4 page ad) will be listed as a Maestro Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Stradivarius
$1000
Your name (or business card or full page ad) will be listed as a Stradivarius Patron on our website and in the current year orchestra concert programs.
CLICK HERE
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Music Honor Society open to all SCHS Music Students.
What is Tri-M?
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is an organization created to inspire music participation, create enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, and promote leadership in the music students of South County High School.
Membership in Tri-M is open to all students in Grades 9-12 who meet the requirements set forth in the Bylaws. In addition to meeting GPA minimums, students must be enrolled in a music performance class and have the recommendation of that teacher. They must also successfully complete an induction recital/performance.
Members of the Tri-M Honor Society are expected to attend meetings and perform service to the music programs. Those students who maintain good standing in the Society will receive cords and a diploma seal at graduation.
How do I apply?
Each year, there is an interest meeting for all new applicants in early October. You will receive application and membership information for the new school year at that time. Completed applications must be the week following the interest meeting. The induction ceremony for all new members or the new school year will take place in mid to late November.
Membership Info
Current Members should check the Chapter Schoology Group page for up to date information.
Photo Gallery
Photos & videos from the SCHS Orchestras!
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Share Your Photos!
Do you have photos or videos from SCHS Orchestra Events that you would like to share? Please click the link below to upload them to the SCHS Orchestra Google Photo Drive!
UPLOAD PHOTOS
Links
One click away!

FCPS Homepage
SCHS Homepage
Tri-M Music Honor Society
VA Band & Orchestra Directors' Association