Orangewood Academy has a long tradition of outstanding musical groups. Under the direction of Mr. James Dean Woods, who hold a graduate degree in music from Andrews University and is engaged in post-graduate studies in Adelphi University, the Orangewood Music Department is making musical ripples in the community.
Mr. Woods returned this year to Orangewood Academy, after holding distinguised musical positions at Loma Linda (California) Academy and Hawaii Mission Academy in Honolulu. He had previously led the Orangewood Academy Music Department for 13 years. He brings a passion for music and a burning desire to broaden the cultural horizons of all his students. He has taken his musical groups to tours across the continental United States, Hawaii, and Europe.
Preschool Choir
The preschool choir consists of the youngest Orangewood students. These young singers begin singing and performing for school concerts and local church performances as part of their preschool experience. They range in ages from two to five. They performed to raving reviews at Main Place in Santa Ana during the Christmas season of 2008 . They bring a smile to everyone who listens to them sing.
Lower Elementary Choir
This choral group is composed of students from kindergarten through 2nd grade. They bring a simplicity combined with a unique passion for singing. They perform at local churches as well as at school Christmas and Spring Concerts.
Grades 3-5 Choir
These students reflect the best of the elementary music department. They bring energy, enthusiasm, and a certain musical electricity to every performance. They have already provided music at various venues, including Main Place and the Christmas Concert.
Middle School Choir
The Middle School Choir is a core class of the Middle School program. At a time when many schools are cutting back their fine arts offerings, the Orangewood Academy Middle School continues to encourage young students to expand their musical talents and learn the discipline necessary to excel in a group musical setting.
Middle School Handbell Ensemble
This musical group provides structured musical instruction and demanding rehearsals to prepare them for the demands of public performance. Students who excel in Middle School Handbells are invited to join the distinguished Orangewood High School Handbell Ensemble.
High School Handbell Ensemble
This exclusive ensemble participates in sectional handbell workshops and festivals. It performs at local churches and other venues that lend themselves to their melodious harmonies. Members are selected by audition and can earn academic credit for participation in the performance facet of this unique music program. Students can earn UC a-g credit by registering for the Music History class. The High School Handbell Ensemble is a touring group.
Orangewood Academy Choir
This choral group is the centerpiece of the Orangewood Academy music program. The choir consists of approximately fifty students. Members of the choir are selected by audition and participate in a minimum of three hours of rehearsal times per week. The choir performs during both schoolwide music programs, at local church, and at the semi-annual conference-wide choral festival. Choir members can earn academic credit for participation in the performance facet of this unique music program. Members of the choir can earn UC a-g credit by registering for the Music History class. The Academy Choir is a touring group.