The Burlington Community School District offers a comprehensive orchestra program for its students.  Instruction begins in 4th grade where students are able to choose which of the four string instruments they would like to play (violin, viola, cello, and bass).  The program continues and promotes the growth of each student through high school.  Each student receives individual as well as group instruction.

Our beginning students have weekly individual lessons with their teacher.  There are also weekly group lessons that happen during school at each individual elementary school.  The beginner orchestra students have 3 main concerts a year as well as performances in their own schools and solo festivals.

The Aldo Leopold Intermediate Orchestra is split into 5th and 6th grade groups.  These groups meet on a rotating schedule with Band and Choir during Houndtime.  These students also have individual lessons once a week.  They have 3 main concerts a year.  The 6th grade students join the Middle School Orchestra to tour the elementaries at holiday times and the 5th grade students tour the elementaries at the end of the year.  Students also have the opportunity to attend honors orchestras and participate in solo festivals.

The Edward Stone Middle School Orchestra is a combined group of 7th and 8th grade students. They meet three times a week during Houndtime.  These students also have individual lessons once a week.  The Middle School Orchestra students have 3 main concerts a year.  These students also tour the elementary schools during the holiday times, attend honors orchestras, and participate in solo festivals.

The Burlington High School String Orchestra meets every morning.  The String Orchestra puts on 5 concerts a year, participates in multiple festivals, and Large Group State Contest.  The students also have the opportunity to audition for and participate in All-State Music Festival, Honors Orchestras, and State Solo and Ensemble Contest.  The BHS Full Orchestra incorporates the top band students into the orchestra.  The Full Orchestra presents 3 concerts a year.

High School Orchestra students also have the chance to participate in Chamber Orchestra, quartets, Kennedy Honors Orchestra, SEISTA Honors Orchestra, All-State Music Festival, State Solo and Ensemble Contest, and Southeast Iowa String Festival.