The Dexter orchestra program began in the 1994-1995 school year under the direction of Donald Parrish. Since then, Dexter orchestras have been invited to perform at prestigious conferences and festivals across the state and region. The high school orchestra has taken performance tours to Orlando, New York, England, Italy and Germany. The fifth grade beginners class routinely tops out at over eighty students while the entire orchestra program numbers over three hundred.

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Orchestral studies begin in the fall of the 5th grade year. Students meet in small classes of like instruments twice a week. The 6th grade year adds an additional day of full ensemble rehearsals. Students in the Mill Creek 7th and 8th grade orchestra electives meet every day for full ensemble rehearsals. The middle school years also mark the beginning of symphony orchestra and festival performances. High school orchestra students can choose to join the Dexter High School Concert Orchestra or audition to become a member of the Dexter High School Chamber Orchestra.