About
The Clay Orchestra program has nearly 300 students in grades six, seven, and eight. Sixth grade orchestra meets daily for 45 minutes each. Seventh and eighth grade students meet for a 94 minute class every other day on an alternating block schedule. The 7th grade Concert Orchestra meets in 2 separate classes on alternate days. The Concert Orchestra combines for all performances. The 8th Grade Symphony Orchestra meets as one group every other day. Both Concert and Symphony Orchestrs have an average enrollment of 80-100 students each.
The Clay Middle School Orchestra program has earned consistent Gold ratings at the Indiana State School Music Association Middle School Organizational Contest. It is very common for the 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade orchestras to receive a “With Distinction” rating as well. The 8th grade Symphony Orchestra continually finishes 1st place and Grand Champions at the Music in the Parks Festival in Cincinnati, OH. The Advanced String Ensemble receives repeated Gold Ratings at the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
The Clay Middle School Symphony Orchestra performed in the 2018 Indiana Music Educator’s Association’s State Convention.