East High School -

The Sioux City East High School Orchestra is comprised of students in grades 9 through 12 with a multiplicity of backgrounds, talents, and interests.  The orchestra's close to ninety-year tradition represents the joint pursuit of artistic excellence and personal growth for both the ensemble and the individual.   In addition to their local concerts, members participate in numerous festivals and events. In 2022, the Sioux City East High Orchestra was one of only five orchestras statewide selected for the University of Northern Iowa School of Music’s Orchestra Invitational. The orchestra performs several concerts annually in the EHS Auditorium and players are frequently selected for honor ensembles, festival experiences, and other educational opportunities throughout the region.

 Dr. Sean Burton is the 4-12 Orchestra teacher for Sioux City East and is also the Sioux City Community School District's Head Music Teacher.  Prior to assuming these positions, he served twelve years on the faculty of Briar Cliff University, completed master's and doctoral degrees in conducting at Boston University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and spent the earliest years of his education career as the Choral and Orchestra Director at Weston High School in his home state of Connecticut after graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Hartford's prestigious Hartt School of Music.  He has guest conducted All-State choirs and professional orchestras, presented or conducted at numerous national conferences, and is the author of one book and some seventy other publications. Dr. Burton is formerly Conductor of the Siouxland Youth Symphony and Nebraska Children’s Chorus. 

The East High Orchestra includes strings and band students in grades 9-12, most of whom have been participating in orchestra since fourth grade.

The purpose of Orchestra is to provide an enriching experience that explores orchestral repertoire in all time periods. 

The Orchestra rehearses every other day during 1st block.

The Orchestra performs at many events, including the EHS homecoming coronation, a holiday tour, and the EHS graduation ceremony. In addition, the following events are special events for orchestra students.

Nolan Schmeckpeper poses with Dr. Burton after his selection for the Iowa Junior Honors Orchestra held in conjunction with the All-State Music Festival on the ISU campus in Ames on November 22.

The orchestra performs under the direction of Dr. Burton.