Class Schedules
Find the current and future class schedules here, including important dates and exceptions.
Fall 2026 schedule
New class times will be determined according to the availabilities indicated on the signup forms, and will be finalized 3-4 weeks before classes start. Let’s make it work for your homeschool schedule!
To be added:
- 2-3 Beginner classes
- Up to 1 additional Novice class
- Up to 1 additional Intermediate class
| Day | 11 AM-noon | 12:15-1:15 | 1:30-2:30 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Available | Available | Intermediate (1:15-2:15) |
| Tues | Available | Available | Novice |
| Wed | Available | Available | Available |
| Thurs | Available | Available | Advanced |
Important dates:
- Classes start: Mon, Sep 7, 2026
- Thanksgiving break: Mon, Nov 23-Thurs Nov 26, 2026
- Christmas Concert: Thursday, Dec 4, 2026, 7:00 PM (pending confirmation)
Spring 2027 schedule
Full calendar block posted after Fall 2026 schedule is finalized.
Important dates:
- Classes start: Mon, Jan 11, 2027
- Mid Feb — 2 week break while Needhams are out of town (exact dates forthcoming) — half tuition this month
- Spring Concert: Thurs, May 6, 2027 (tentative)
Class Placement
Classes are determined by skill level and experience, not by age. Final placements are at the discretion of the conductor, but there is some room for flexibility and consideration of families and schedules. We’ll keep it an open conversation.
If your child is joining Denton HSO for the first time, and they want to join any ensemble other than beginner, we want to make sure they are placed in the ensemble that fits them best! You’ll be asked to send a video of your musician playing something — anything — that demonstrates their ability, plus a scale of their choice, if possible.
Class Progression
| Class | Expected Semesters |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 2 |
| Novice | 2-4 |
| Intermediate | 4-6 |
| Advanced | all remaining |
All advancements are made based on skill, not strictly on time spent in a given ensemble. But in general, with consistent attendance and sufficient home practice, the number of semesters noted above will be right for most students.
A musician may be invited by the conductor to move to the next ensemble sooner. This will depend on their demonstrated proficiency with the instrument, whether from natural musical inclination or through dedicated practice.
Class definitions
- Beginner — musicians for whom it is their very 1st semester of playing
- Novice — musicians with 1 year of private lessons or at least 2 semesters of orchestra experience
- Intermediate — musicians with 2-3 years of private lessons or orchestra experience
- Advanced — musicians with 4+ years of private lessons or orchestra experience