For many of us who play string instruments, the nickname “orch dork” has become commonplace. The Minnetonka Orchestra at MHS has 156 of these orch dorks, and each of them contributes to the program’s growing success. Just recently, the Minnetonka Orchestra received the Meritorious Orchestra Program award from the Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association. Sarah Finn-Sommerfeld, director of all three high school orchestras, said that the award was a “great honor” after all of their hard work. In past years, the Concert and Symphony Orchestras have earned the titles of Top Orchestra, Top Instrumental Ensemble, and Top Performing Group in Any Category at the Heritage Music Festival held in Los Angeles. At the Solo and Ensemble Festival last April, the MHS Chamber Orchestra received a perfect score and Best in Site, along with many high ratings for individual students. Ms. Finn also adds that the orchestra “[has] students accepted in the Middle Level Honors Orchestra and the All-State Orchestra every year.”

What makes the Minnetonka Orchestra so special? Ms. Finn believes it’s the district’s the amazing support for the arts. She explained, “Our district has set a goal to be a world class performing arts community…We are great because we have great students, great parents, a great school district, and fantastic staff who are passionate about music education.” However, Anna Erickson, a senior orchestra president, has another opinion: it’s Ms. Finn herself. Ms. Finn has created a very welcoming class environment, and the orchestra feels like it’s a family. As Anna puts it, “Music truly is a universal language.”
The next performance for the orchestras will be on December 11th, so be sure to come and check out these accomplished ensembles! Maybe they aren’t such “dorks” after all.