The orchestra, led by director Mr. Andy Hawks, has become one of Cardinal Gibbons’ fastest-growing programs. The String Orchestra is composed exclusively of bowed string instruments found in Western classical music.
A key part of the Orchestra’s mission is making music accessible to all students, even if they’ve never held an instrument before. Orchestra I is an introductory course designed for complete beginners, and students do not have to own an instrument since Gibbons provides them. This allows students to try all the instruments out during the first few weeks, before committing to one. Freshman, sophomores, and juniors spend the fall passing around violins, violas, cellos, and basses, discovering what they like best before their first performance in October.
Hawks emphasizes that it is never too late to start. Students who started in Orchestra I now perform in advanced Gibbons ensembles, play in college, or play for their church ministries.
“It’s not about your age, it’s about ability,” Hawks said.
As students progress, they can audition or place into higher-level groups:
- Orchestra II: One year of experience, with an honors option. Students explore complex rhythms, a wider pitch range, and advanced bowing techniques.
- Orchestra III: Requires two years of experience and is an honors-level course.
- Orchestra IV: The most advanced ensemble, performing at a state-level standard.
Last year, five Gibbons students earned spots in the North Carolina Eastern Regional All-State Orchestra.
Beyond the classroom, Hawks works to build strong connections with K–8 schools and orchestra directors across Wake County. Most recently, the Gibbons orchestra traveled to St. Raphael’s for an outreach concert. These performances are educational and interactive, allowing younger students to touch, hear, and explore each instrument. Hawks hopes to spark interest in students by showing them that learning an instrument is within reach.
Hawks encourages students to participate in clubs and music organizations outside of school, including the Chamber Music Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Music Ministry.
Class requirements include four concerts per year, all-school mass, and occasional daily masses. Many students perform in regional ensembles such as the Triangle Youth Music ensemble, MYCO chamber groups, and the Raleigh Children’s Orchestra, which count for honors credit.
The orchestra program hopes to give students the opportunity to explore music, discover their talents, and serve others.
Hawks often tells his students, “Take your gift of music and share it.”
Email Mr. Hawks for more information: andyhawks@cghsnc.org
Cardinal Gibbons Orchestra YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GibbonsOrchestra?app=desktop
Find the Orchestra on X: @strings_cghsnc
