Where Strings, Wind, Brass, and Percussion Meet
Where Strings, Wind, Brass, and Percussion Meet
A stage, not just a rehearsal
Students perform at frequent concerts throughout the cycle. Low-stakes, high-reward—real performance experience without the white-knuckle pressure of a single make-or-break recital.
What the Onsom Orchestra Is
Perhaps your child has spent months in the practice room with a single instrument—a violin, a clarinet, a trumpet, a snare drum—building the kind of quiet skill that nobody else in the house may appreciate. The Onsom Orchestra is where that skill stops being a solo act.
Part of the Third Note program, the Onsom Orchestra brings together Strings, Wind, Brass, and Percussion players from HKIS's UP Band and String program into one full ensemble. Students are hand-selected by the Band and String program directors. And here's the part we love most: the orchestra is built around the players who show up. The score is bespoke—written specifically for this group, for their level, for what they're ready to learn and perform.
It's not a watered-down arrangement of something famous. It's theirs.
One ensemble, four voices
Strings, Wind, Brass, and Percussion rarely play together at this age. Here they do—and the result is a genuine orchestral sound rather than a single-section group.
Beyond the solo repertoire
Playing alone teaches discipline. Playing together teaches everything else—how to listen, when to lead, when to hold back, how a single part fits into something far larger than itself.
Real meaningful musicianship
Teamwork, cooperation, aural literacy, technical control. These aren't buzzwords on a syllabus. They're the actual skills a young player builds when thirty other instruments depend on them keeping time.
Expression with depth
An orchestra stretches a child's artistic range and sharpens their aesthetic awareness—the quiet ability to hear why a phrase works, and to play it like they mean it.
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day TwoSet Intentions & Reflect
Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day ThreeLook Forward & Wrap Up
We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.