PVHS boasts an award winning string and full orchestra. Both groups received superior ratings at recent Southern California regional competitions. Many of its members have been selected to perform in the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Honor Orchestra and many have competed and placed in American String Teachers Association (ASTA) competitions. In 2012, the orchestra traveled to Boston to participate in a music festival. Members form smaller ensembles and perform (paid and unpaid) at various functions and venues locally.

              Orchestra is a year-long class purposed for students to strengthen their understanding of music by analyzing and interpreting what is presented in the music itself or performance. The students play their instruments with the given music provided by Ms. Parkinson.

              Palos Verdes High School’s Orchestra meets during zero period. Achieving a position in this group requires an audition, which is held in early March. The PVHS orchestra is divided into the string orchestra and full orchestra. String orchestra meets on Tuesday and Thursday, and full orchestra meets on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Woodwinds may be required to attend Tuesdays and Thursdays during the period before concerts and competitions. The list of orchestra instruments is posted in the audition sections.

             Both Full and String Orchestra perform at both Winter and Spring Concerts and attend competitions in the spring. 

Several string members mentor PV Intermediate School students after school weekly at PVIS.