by Annabelle P.
While band and orchestra may seem similar at first glance, a closer look reveals significant differences between these two distinct forms of musical art. If you’re considering joining one of the two but think it might be too late, ask Ms. Whitty, and she’ll say, “Sometimes we have kids start in 7th or even 8th grade. The band and orchestra programs welcome everyone with open arms.”
One of the main differences is the type of instruments each group focuses on. Band primarily features wind instruments, while orchestra is made up of string instruments like the violin and cello. “The thing is, orchestra starts in 4th grade, but band starts in 6th grade. So when orchestra kids come to AHJS, they usually have a stronger foundation than our band kids typically do,” says Ms. Whitty.
Another notable difference is the timeline of each program. Looking back in history, orchestra has been around for 500 to 600 years. “Band is a more recent addition. Orchestra is much older, dating back to the time of Bach and Mozart,” says Ms. Whitty. You can also see this reflected in the style of music each group plays. Band often performs more recent and modern pieces, while orchestra tends to focus on older, classical styles. This ties back to its long history, where classical music was the norm, not pop hits like Taylor Swift’s songs. But if you’re lucky, the AHJS band may just play your favorite Taylor Swift track!
Both band and orchestra are great options at AHJS, each offering its unique qualities. The benefits of each could go on for miles, and so could the list of memories you’ll make with your friends. As Ms. Whitty says, “Making new friends—that’s the great thing about both programs.” Whether you choose band or orchestra, the special memories you create will bring happiness that lasts a lifetime!
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