Name:       Diana Helmetag School:      High School & Middle School Position:    Orchestra Director                  grades 7, 8, and 9 - 12 Email:        dhelmetag@umasd.org Phone:      HS 610-205-3826                 MS 610-205-8870
Welcome to my website!  This is my 27th year serving as the orchestra director at Upper Merion Area High School and Middle School!  I teach violin, viola, cello and bass to students in grades 7 through 12.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Duquesne University and a Master of Music degree cum laude from Penn State University.        Students at the middle school receive one group lesson each week and participate in the 7th & 8th grade orchestra.  Advanced students may also be selected for the Viking Chamber Strings or the Schuylkill Valley Area Honors Orchestra. This year's SVAO concert will be hosted by Elise Derewitz at Colonial Middle School.        Students at the high school have the opportunity to take Concert Orchestra which is a regular class that meets during the school day and Adv Orchestra which meets at 7:00 am before the regular school day begins and also during Lunch and Learn.  Advanced students may be selected for the Viking Chamber Strings as well as the Montgomery County Honors String Orchestra. This year's MCHSO concert will be hosted by Spring-Ford High School.  Advanced students who take private lessons on their orchestral instrument may also audition for the PMEA District, Region and All-State Orchestra Festivals.             In addition to my regular teaching & concert schedule, I have also hosted eleven orchestra festivals at the high school and middle school:  the PMEA District 11 Orchestra Festival in 2017 and in 1998, the Montgomery County Honors String Orchestra Festival in 2021, 2016, 2012, & 2005, the Schuylkill Valley Area Honors Orchestra Festival in 2016, 2008 & 1999, and the PMEA All-State Orchestra Festival in 2009 and also in 2002 with a final performance in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center.        I'm looking forward to seeing you in Orchestra!