About Us

The Boardman Orchestra is an ensemble that is full of rich heritage, pride and tradition. We are excited to celebrate 62 years of creating prestigious music with multiple ensembles within the Boardman Local School District. 

Who We Are
Being a member of the Boardman orchestra means you are willing and committed to hard work and dedication on your instrument. We've had thousands of students pass through our doors and they can all attest to the rigors and rewards of playing in the orchestra. We consider ourselves to be a valuable source of cultural pride in our community as we strive to share the gift of music to our friends and neighbors.  

​Our History

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RICHARD S. BAME / Orchestra Director
 PictureCAROL SUE CLARK, Principal Cellist
The Boardman High  School Orchestra was started in 1954 under the direction of Richard S. Bame. The orchestra then boasted a string section of eight. In the first year, which was spent mostly in practice and organization, the orchestra was able to appear in a joint concert with the band and played for commencement exercises. The following summer the orchestra members had the privilege of going with the band to Camp Lambec on Lake Erie for a week of good food, swimming, recreation, and practice, practice, practice! The second year the string section was up to sixteen and began to have that "orchestra" sound. The orchestra appeared in two concerts and again for commencement exercises. For the first time in the history of the school the orchestra entered the O.M.E.A. district contest at Leavittsburg and received Superior ratings from three judges and an Excellent in sight-reading. This rating enabled the group to enter state finals in Columbus at The Ohio State University. With competition becoming more keen, they still came through with Superior ratings from three judges and an Excellent in sight-reading. The orchestra brought home the first bronze plaque to hang in the instrumental music room. Needless to say, being the only orchestra in it's class to get a Superior rating in the state finals and only in the second year as an organization, the members were quite proud.