Course Descriptions:

STRING ORCHESTRA HONORS II, STRING ORCHESTRA II, & STRING ORCHESTRA I

String Orchestra II Honors  is a UC/CSU honors level course which earns a 5.0 GPA. The string orchestras receive UC/CSU approved Fine Arts and Applied Arts credit. Advanced techniques and musical concepts are explored. Students are assigned to this class based on year-end auditions. Placement is according to individual student needs, and the needs of the groups as a whole. Students are moved up (and down) as individual progress dictates.  The String Orchestra II Honors performs collegiate and professional repertoire and is open to selected string and piano students of superior ability by audition only. The String Orchestra II Honors is preceded by String Orchestra II and String Orchestra I. The Ventura High School String Orchestra II Honors has earned distinction nationwide at invitational music festivals Boston, Chicago, New York, Hawaii, San Francisco and most recently in 2026 in Seattle, WA. 

The String Orchestras perform as both a classical orchestra as well as offer opportunities for chamber ensembles and mariachi.