Why do we need a Mira Costa High School Orchestra Booster group?

School funding in California is at an all time low. The Manhattan Beach Unified School District must focus on the basics. It is up to the parents and community to fund ‘extras’ for the students such as music, sports, art and other co-curricular activities. The boosters ensure that the orchestra program continues for the benefit of the students and the community.

How many hours do the musicians practice each week?

The students meet for an hourly class every day during school hours. In addition, they have sectional rehearsals during lunch and rehearsals after school hours. The students are expected to practice at home as well. Beyond this, the majority of the students take private lessons outside of school and their private teachers expect them to practice their etudes and solo repertoire as well.

How do I become a Patron?

We appreciate any and all donations to keep the music playing. Information on becoming an Orchestra Patron is available here.

How do I hire the Chamber Orchestra to perform at my event?

The Chamber Orchestra has played at private parties and public functions, indoors and outdoors for many years. They have a full repertoire of classical music, popular selections, and holiday music, and they will match their selections to the needs of your event. You can hire the entire group or a smaller group down to a string quartet (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello) depending on the size of your event and the size of your venue. All proceeds go directly to the MCHS Orchestra program. Please contact the chamber orchestra coordinator at chamber_orchestra@mchsorchestra.org for further information.

I'd like to know when you have concerts.  Is there an e-mail list that will notify me of upcoming events?

Yes!  Please send a message to webmaster@mchsorchestra.org and we'll send you a notice whenever we have concerts.

How do I purchase tickets to your performances?

Students are free and adults pay $5 at the door for MCHS Orchestra concerts at the Mira Costa High School Auditorium.  Senior citizens with MCHS Orchestra Concert Cards qualify for free admission.

Orchestra patrons for the current school year may qualify for complimentary concert tickets. Please refer to our donation form for up to date descriptions of donor benefits.

The Fall Prism Concert featuring the Mira Costa Band, Choir, and Symphony Orchestra will be FREE to everyone!

Can I purchase recordings of your performances?

We record our performances and sell the recordings for $15 each. Order forms for a CD of that performance are available

at the concert. The CDs are delivered a week or two after the concert. We have a limited number of recordings of past performances available as well.  Please e-mail webmaster@mchsorchestra.org for assistance.

Where have you performed?  Do you ever compete against other high schools?

The Mira Costa Symphony Orchestra performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles in June 2009 and at Carnegie Hall in New York in 2006. The Symphony Orchestra has performed at many adjudicated festivals sponsored by SCSBOA (Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association) and consistently receives a ‘superior’ rating, the highest rating awarded by SCSBOA.