Orchestras & Director Bio

Welcome to the info page! Read descriptions about the orchestras, learn about the education and experiences of the director, audition dates, and possible contacts for private lessons! Please contact Mr. Kurr if you need more information. 

About the Orchestras

Cardinal Orchestra

Cardinal Orchestra is a high school entry-level string orchestra consisting of freshmen and sophomores. Through large-group rehearsal and small - group instruction, this ensemble will sharpen skills such as vibrato and shifting and will explore alternative musical styles (jazz, fiddling, etc.). Student participation in chamber music and solo & ensemble festivals is strongly encouraged. A limited number of school instruments are available for a nominal rental fee. There are several performances (generally November, March, April, and May) that require time outside of class.



Sinfonia

This ensemble continues the musical growth in Cardinal Orchestra
and encourages an increased level of personal development and leadership. There will be expectations for participation and attendance at performances outside of the school day, including, but not limited to: chamber music, solo & ensemble festivals, and evening concerts. Violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, and harpists, may enroll for this course. Pianists should ask the instructor about enrollment.



Symphony Orchestra

This curriculum, through large-group rehearsal and small-group instruction, stresses high-quality standard orchestral literature, personal development, and leadership. There will be expectations for participation and attendance at performances outside of the school day, including, but not limited to: chamber music, solo & ensemble festivals, a district tour, and evening concerts. Violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, harpists, and pianists may enroll for this course. Winds, brass, and percussionists will be select are selected from the Wind Ensemble for the full orchestra experience.



Philomusica

Philomusica is defined as a love of music and accurately describes the components that create the MHS Philomusica Orchestra: students who love playing their instruments & enjoy music from many different musical genres!

Philomusica is a co-curricular ensemble open to any string musician at MHS. The repertoire ranges from jazz to show tunes to pop music to the unusual and odd.

No audition is necessary.

Philo meets on Wednesday or Thursday, whichever is the B Day, starting at the end of September.

Philomusica: Come for the music, stay for the Phun!



Director

Director - Steve Kurr

Steve Kurr is in his 20th year as the Orchestra Teacher at Middleton High School, where he conducts the three school orchestras, teaches music history courses, and serves as the Instructional Leader for the Fine Arts Department. He received undergraduate degrees in Viola Performance and Mathematics from UW-Platteville, a master's degree in Musicology from UW-Madison, and has completed doctoral coursework at UW-Madison with specialties in mid-18th-century Viennese symphonies and orchestral conducting.

Mr. Kurr also teaches courses in music appreciation through the UW Division of Continuing Studies and is the founding conductor of the Middleton Community Orchestra. His wife Nancy, also a violist, is the 5th-grade orchestra teacher at Glacier Creek Middle School & Kromrey Middle School, and the 4th-grade teacher at Park Elementary School. His daughter Veronica is a graduate of the MHS Orchestra program and his son Thomas is a sophomore in orchestra--a family of violists!



Private Lessons

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