About the DirectorBen McWhorter is a graduate of Tates Creek High School (2000) and has taught at his alma mater since 2005. In addition to working at TCHS, Mr. McWhorter also teaches beginning string students at Veterans Park Elementary and visits students at Southern and Tates Creek Middle Schools. When he isn't teaching or playing music, Mr. McWhorter enjoys cooking and spending time with his wife, Hillary; their son, Charlie; and their two cats. Mr. McWhorter is a bass player and holds degrees in music education from the University of Louisville (2004) and The Ohio State University (2011).
Ben McWhorter is the past president of the Kentucky chapter of the American String Teachers Association and has served on the Kentucky Music Educators Association orchestra council. |
Who We Are |
The Tates Creek Orchestra program offer three skill-based sections of orchestra during the school day, as well as numerous extra-curricular musical activities. Members in all ensembles are challenged musically and technically to develop musicianship and technical skills. The in-school ensembles focus primarily on classical music technique while also pushing students to develop non-traditional techniques used for playing numerous pop and folk styles.
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Symphony Orchestra |
The Symphony Orchestra at TCHS is an audition-only ensemble that performs a wide variety of music; from traditional classical to pop and rock. Students in this course often participate in Central KY Youth Orchestra and the KMEA all-State Orchestra. Numerous alumni have earned scholarships to play their instruments at the collegiate level, either as music majors or simply as members of their collegiate orchestra
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Intermezzo Orchestra |
The Intermezzo Orchestra is a melting pot of students from all age groups and academies. We perform intermediate-level literature with a focus on developing the skills necessary to perform a successful audition into the Symphony Orchestra
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Baroque Orchestra |
The Baroque Orchestra is our youngest orchestra that also welcomes upperclassmen learning a second instrument. We work to refine foundational skills and develop the students' musicality and ensemble skill
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Chamber Orchestra |
The Chamber Orchestra is back after a brief hiatus! Comprised of students who had excellent spring auditions, this small group meets after school and performs at local schools and for community events
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