Instruction on the stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, and bass) is offered to students in grades four through twelve. Elementary students meet once a week for a forty-five minute period of instruction. String orchestra is offered as an elective to students in middle and high school. Classes in chamber ensemble, full orchestra and theory are also offered in high school.

The Fairfax County Music Program of Studies for orchestra is aligned with the Virginia Music Educators Association Learning Standards and the National Standards for Arts Education. It documents content and achievement benchmarks for students enrolled in the FCPS orchestra program.

School orchestras present concerts, participate in competitions, take field trips and enjoy numerous other activities. In addition, the opportunities of playing a stringed instrument after high school are abundant with many universities offering scholarships for orchestra participation. Learning to play an instrument and belonging to an orchestra opens up a new world of friendship and fun.