CHICAGO 2026
Help the CHSO take the Windy City!
We are pleased to announce that the CHARLOTTESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA will travel to Chicago in March of 2026 to compete in the Chicago Heritage Music Festival, alongside the CHS Choir and CHS Band!
Travel is an important component of the CHS Orchestra Program. It is our mission to ensure every student who wants to participate can do so, no matter their economic background. Please consider donating to contribute to our scholarship fun and help student fundraise!
“For many years, I have had the privilege of experiencing the exceptional talent, poise, and awe-inspiring verve that pours from the CHSO String Ensemble. It is remarkable the capacity our student ensemble possesses in rendering the wonders and joy that music bears. How great an experience it is for our CHSO String Ensemble to participate with and lift and challenge our global partners in sharing the majesty of music.”
- Dr. Justin Malone, Principal, Charlottesville High School
Financial Overview
$1,200 per student
includes transportation, meals, and hotel for 5 days in Chicago
The CHSO String Ensemble's eight-day trip to Madrid, Guarda, and Lisbon represents a fundraising challenge that will require significant community support. CHSO students and parents aim to raise a substantial portion of the necessary funds through student-directed activities such as concession sales at athletic events, quartet performances, poinsettia sales, and a benefit concert. The String Ensemble hopes to raise the remaining funds through support from foundations and compassionate community members who understand the power of music to unite and travel to illuminate. Funds raised will also support our scholarship fund to specifically help students in financial need. Donations to the general campaign and to the scholarship fund are all 100% tax-deductible.
Cost per student includes airfare, meals, ground transportation, and insurance in Madrid/Lisbon for 8 days
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Cello & bass instrument rental
Ground transportation to Dulles Airport
"The Charlottesville High School Orchestra isn’t just a group of teenagers playing beautiful music, it is so much more than that. The CHSO is a second family that you can create euphonious sounds with and you can always count on one another."
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- Gabriella Zach, 11th grade
Help These Hardworking, Talented Musicians Put Charlottesville on the Map
"Being a part of the orchestra team in CHS is a big deal for me. I was born in Thailand, in a refugee camp where opportunities were scarce, including playing an instrument. After moving to the U.S. I was provided with new possibilities like learning to play the violin. I’ve played in orchestra since the 5th grade and I'm grateful for everyone I met along the way. They are family to me and I’m happy to be a part of this team we’ve built.
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- Eh Klu Paw, 12th grade