Students are invited to audition for a position in the Select String Ensemble in the fall of each school year. To audition, students must be members of the orchestra.

The purpose of this ensemble is to provide students an opportunity to learn music more difficult than pieces performed in orchestra, and to expose them to smaller ensemble playing.

The members of the Select String Ensemble take great pride in their reputation. The ensemble was the only elementary orchestra in the country invited (by audition) to perform at the National Association for Music’s National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2004. Other honors the ensemble has received by audition are:

2007 National Association for Music’s Eastern Conference, Hartford, Connecticut

2006 Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Annual Conference, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

2003 National Association for Music’s Eastern Conference, Providence, Rhode Island

2002 Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Annual Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The ensemble has consistently earned the highest rating of Superior at the Music in the Parks Adjudication Festival in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, as well as the following awards:

2007 - 1st Place and Best Overall Orchestra Award

2006 – 1st Place and Best Overall Orchestra Award

2005 – 1st Place and Best Overall Orchestra Award

2004 – 1st Place and Best Overall Orchestra Award

2003 – 1st Place

North Penn School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Hassler and the North Penn School Board presented the ensemble with Proclamations of Excellence for “performing distinguished service to their school, enhancing the reputation and image of the North Penn School District, bringing positive community interest to school programs, and rendering considerable service to school and community” in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007.

The ensemble also performs at the annual winter and spring concerts, and has performed for special community events, including performances for local business associations, the North Penn High School Art Gallery, Bridle Path Mother/Daughter Fashion Show and Tea, Montgomery Volunteer Tea, and even a wedding.

The ensemble rehearses every Wednesday afternoon from 3:30-4:30pm at Montgomery Elementary School.