About the Orchestra Program
The Riverside Orchestra program is comprised of orchestras from both Riverside Intermediate School and Riverside Junior High School, encompassing approximately 235 students in grades 6-8. The program is highly successful, receiving national recognition and consistently high scores at festivals and competitions. The RJH Philharmonic Orchestra placed 2nd at the 2022 ASTA National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. All orchestras have earned nearly all gold ratings at ISSMA Organizational Contest, including seven “With Distinction” accolades. The RJH Philharmonic Orchestra has twice been an Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) demonstration ensemble, in 2011 and 2015.
Students begin their studies in sixth grade, and can choose any of the four string instruments: violin, viola, cello, or bass. The Sixth Grade Orchestra is open to all students who meet some minimum grade requirements. Sixth Grade Orchestra meets every day during the last part of the school day. Participation in 6th grade orchestra is a year-long commitment. Students will meet in groups of like-instrumentation to learn from Mrs. Kitchell or another professional instructor. They perform two concerts each year, one in December and one in May.
There are currently three orchestras at the junior high level: Concert, Symphony and Philharmonic. These orchestras are open to any student who has been studying for at least one year. Chamber Orchestra is a beginning orchestra class at the junior high level, open to students who were not in 6th grade orchestra. Placement in the three orchestras is based on demonstrated ability, as well as necessary balanced instrumentation. Orchestras meet during the school day (a class period), and perform in many concerts and events throughout the year. Performance opportunities are also available to students in the form of solo and ensemble events, special events, and Holiday Hawks. Holiday Hawks prepare and perform holiday music for caroling around HSE Schools and the Fishers/Indianapolis community.
About Mrs. Kitchell
Mrs. Johanna Kitchell is thrilled to be in her sixteenth year as director of the Riverside Orchestra program. She was most recently named the 2023 Hamilton Southeastern Schools Teacher of the Year, and a Yamaha Music “40 Under 40” Music Educator. She is the 2018 Indiana ASTA Middle School Music Educator of the Year, and the 2014 recipient of the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) Outstanding Middle School Music Educator award. Mrs. Kitchell is the director of the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra program’s Concert Orchestra. This orchestra is a preparatory string-only group, comprised of young musicians from around central Indiana. You can read more about IYO here.
Mrs. Kitchell has guest lectured at Butler University, Indiana University, Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, and Ball State University, has served as a panel expert for ASTA, and has been a clinician for IMEA, traveling the state to work with other school ensembles. She spent almost a decade serving on the board of the Indiana chapter of ASTA (INASTA), including as treasurer and chapter president. She is a D’addario Educational Consultant, helping to develop and film tutorial videos for string educators. You can learn more about these videos here. Mrs. Kitchell served as the 2019 guest conductor for the INASTA North All-Region Allegro Orchestra, and as the 2018 guest conductor for the Kentucky MEA Middle School District 7 Festival Orchestra. She has also previously held positions on the boards of the Indiana Arts Education Network and the Indianapolis Suzuki Academy.
Mrs. Kitchell holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Butler University where she studied cello under Dr. William Grubb. She recently completed her Master of Music in Music Education from Butler University, where she studied conducting with Colonel (ret) Michael Colburn. A native of New York, Mrs. Kitchell loves teaching at Riverside, and strives to provide high-quality instruction to all students, developing playing ability and nurturing the passion for music. She especially loves the middle and junior high-level orchestra world, where she can work with budding string players. Mrs. Kitchell is very involved in the Indianapolis music community as a private string teacher, professional gig musician, and frequent concert-goer. She was named the 2014 recipient of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Pitz Leadership Award, which recognizes community contributions to the orchestra. When not in school, Mrs. Kitchell enjoys running, listening to music, watching Jeopardy, and spending time with her husband and son.
For more information, contact Mrs. Kitchell:
jkitchell@hse.k12.in.us | 317.915.4280 x6164