As a student counterpart to the Hershey Symphony Orchestra, we are proud to offer Powerhouse Strings, an educational and enriching orchestral experience for students in grades 4, 5, and 6. This program encompasses rehearsals and concert opportunities, including a performance at the historic Hershey Theatre! Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. beginning September 22, 2026, at Palmyra Area Middle School and will continue until May. Dr. Mara Thompson directs the ensemble.
If your student is interested:
No audition is required. In order to participate, students/families must submit the online registration, the online Powerhouse Strings Director Recommendation Form, and the tuition payment by September 18, 2026. The Director Recommendation Form should be completed on the student’s behalf by their school director or by their private instrumental teacher. This form may be completed by the student’s current orchestra director/teacher or by their director/teacher from the previous school year. Students will not be accepted without a completed Director Recommendation Form. Links to all forms are available under “sign-up and payment information,” below.
Note: Older string students (grades 7 through 10) are invited to participate in Festival Strings. For details see here.
To participate in the orchestra:
- Students should have successfully completed the first volume of a string instrument method book. (This includes titles such as: Essential Elements for Strings, String Builder, String Explorer, String Basics, Suzuki Violin/Viola/Cello/Bass School, etc.)
- Students should feel comfortable reading music and playing notes on all 4 strings of their instruments.
- Students should be able to confidently play rhythmic figures such as whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, and eighth notes.
- Students should be able to accurately play in the key signatures of D, G, and C Major.
Through participation in this program, students will experience a mixture of musical styles and techniques! The ensemble follows a very tight schedule, and the music is challenging, so students are expected and required to practice diligently at home. Consistent and timely rehearsal attendance is also extremely important.
Sign-up and payment information:
PLEASE NOTE: There is a $95 fee to participate for the year (fall and spring semesters), which allows us to purchase music, pay for facilities, and cover the expenses related to the ensemble.
The payment link is located BELOW. You will need to fill out the Google Form in order to register your child, but you will also need to CLICK THE LINK WITHIN THE FORM OR BELOW to submit payment. If tuition presents a financial hardship, please email the symphony at contactus@hersheysymphony.org. The deadline to register is September 18, 2026.
Student Information Form (fill out)
Director Form (send to your school director)
Payment Form (to pay fee)
Note: The Hershey Symphony is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination. Please refer to our nondiscrimination statement here.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Thompson using the form below.