Orchestra
The Performing Arts — Orchestra Career Pathway is part of the Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Career Cluster, focused on designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism and entertainment services.
WATCH: Career Videos
Learn from professionals who followed this career pathway in videos from RoadTrip Nation.
Ruby Amanfu
Musician
Ann Powers
Rock Journalist/Senior Curator, Experience Music Project
Indre Viskontas
Neuroscientist and Opera Singer
Ben Zander
Conductor, Bonston Philharmonic
Potential Careers
Pathway Courses
Example Four-Year Plan
This is just an example of a possible four-year plan with these pathway courses included. Talk with your counselor and view the graduation requirements to create a plan that works for you.
Example Four-Year Plan Graphic
Example Four-Year Plan Courses
Grade 9
Required Courses
- Language and Literature — two credits
- Math (Algebra) — two credits
- Physical Science — two credits
- Global Geography and Culture — two credits
- P.E. (every other day) — one credit
- Health (any year) — one credit
Pathway Courses
- Ninth-Grade Orchestra — one credit
Elective Courses
- World Language (2-4 years) — two credits
- Other suggested electives — two credits:
- full-year courses: Ninth-Grade Band, Southwoods Singers (every other day), Treble or Bass Clef Choir
- one-semester courses: Marching Band (early bird), Theatrics, art classes
Grade 10
Required Courses
- Speech Communication (Grades 10, 11, or 12) — one credit
- Fundamentals of Writing (Grades 10, 11, or 12) — one credit
- Math (Geometry) — two credits
- Biology — two credits
- P.E. — one credit
Pathway Courses
- Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra (audition) — one credit
Elective Courses
- World Language (2-4 years) — two credits
- Other suggested electives — two credits: additional performing and fine arts classes, as well as:
- Language and Literature courses: Creative Writing, Debate, Introduction to Broadcasting, Journalism
- Education Courses: Child Development, Foundations of Education, Initial Field Experience, Senior Field Experience
- Business Courses: Introduction to Business, Accounting, Business Law, Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Intro. to Computer Applications, Computer Applications, Marketing and Advertising, Leadership, Personal Finance, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Web Page Design, Video Production
Grade 11
Required Courses
- Language Arts Elective — two credits
- Math (Algebra II) — two credits
- Chemistry (Grades 11 or 12) — two credits
- U.S. History — two credits
- P.E. — one credit
Pathway Courses
- Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra (audition) — one credit
Elective Courses
- World Language (2-4 years) — two credits
- Other suggested electives — three credits: additional performing and fine arts classes, as well as:
- Language and Literature courses: Creative Writing, Debate, Introduction to Broadcasting, Journalism
- Education Courses: Child Development, Foundations of Education, Initial Field Experience, Senior Field Experience
- Business Courses: Introduction to Business, Accounting, Business Law, Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Intro. to Computer Applications, Computer Applications, Marketing and Advertising, Leadership, Personal Finance, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Web Page Design, Video Production
Grade 12
Required Courses
- Literature Elective — one credit
- Language Arts Elective — one credit
- Government — one credit
- Economics — one credit
- P.E. — one credit
Pathway Courses
- Orchestra or Chamber Orchestra (audition) — one credit
- AP Music Theory (grades 11 or 12) — one credit
Elective Courses
- World Language (2-4 years) — two credits
- Other suggested electives — five credits: additional performing and fine arts classes, as well as:
- Language and Literature courses: Creative Writing, Debate, Introduction to Broadcasting, Journalism
- Education Courses: Child Development, Foundations of Education, Initial Field Experience, Senior Field Experience
- Business Courses: Introduction to Business, Accounting, Business Law, Computer Applications, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Intro. to Computer Applications, Computer Applications, Marketing and Advertising, Leadership, Personal Finance, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Web Page Design, Video Production
Other Pathway Information
Related Electives
- Valley Southwoods: Bass Clef Chorus
- Valley Southwoods: Concert Band
- Valley Southwoods: Jazz Studies/Performance
- Valley Southwoods: Southwoods Singers
- Valley Southwoods: Treble Clef Chorus
- A Capella Choir
- AP Music Theory
- Concert Choir
- Concert Ensemble
- Explorations in Music
- Foundations of Education
- Initial Field Experience
- Jazz Studies/Performance
- Marching Band
- Select Treble Clef Choir
- Symphony Band
- Valley Singers
Career-Related Activities
Potential College Majors
Next Steps
Where do I start?
What next?
How can I learn more?
- Talk to your counselor.
- Valley Counseling Center
- Walnut Creek Campus Counseling
- Valley Southwoods Counseling Office
- Talk to a DMACC representative.
- Use Naviance.
- Use Roadtrip Nation.