Whether your child takes group lesson with the director or has been taking the Suzuki method since he or she could stand up, school orchestras are the place to show off their talent for friends and family, and get music education for free (unless they go to private school). Many public schools start their orchestra program somewhere between third and fifth grade. First, your child will be asked to pick an instrument. There's usually a day where they can sample the instruments and hear some of the high schoolers play the year before. Once school starts, there will be one day a week reserved for group lessons with other kids who play the same instruments and another day used for the entire orchestra to rehearse. There are usually two concerts, one in December, and the other in May. The music played are usually very short songs with one melody and three or four harmonies.

In middle school, group lessons often go by the wayside. Orchestra is also offered as a class that meets usually every other day. Concerts are held again in December and May, and the occasional field trip is made to play for the public. Music becomes more challenging with multiple melodies and harmonies. Common music includes arrangement of classical pieces and movie themes.

In high school, Orchestra is offered either every day or every other, depending on the school. Students participate in many concerts during the year and may make trips around the country, or even the world. The music is much more challenging at this point, and students start to learn shifting and vibrato.

Many schools also offer chamber ensembles for more advanced players, and some schools have auditioned orchestras.