Frank W. Cox High School Orchestra

In 2007 the Cox Orchestras were asked to perform for the opening of the Sandler Center for Performing Arts in Virginia Beach. In 2008 the Cox Orchestras were invited to perform for the Virginia Society for Technology in Education Conference held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, the Virginia School Boards Association at the ATC, and the Virginia Beach "Official-for-a-Day" Banquet. Ending last year's season Frank W. Cox High School received Virginia's prestigious Blue Ribbon Award. Cox orchestras assisted in this recognition by scoring a Superior Rating at VBODA District Festival in Grade VI. Also, in 2010 Cox High School was one of only 12 schools in the nation to host the XIBUS Concert Tour featuring members of the Boston String Quartet and other world-class musicians. In addition to the success of the large ensembles, individual and quartet members of the Cox Orchestras are consistently invited to perform in various venues throughout the Hampton Roads area.

Falcon Concert Orchestra

Students performing in the Concert Orchestra are exposed to a wide-range of repertoire, which will include educational and classical literature grades 3.5 to 5 (VBODA). The level of focus, determination, and dedication is NO less than the Chamber Orchestra. The students in this ensemble are highly motivated and dedicated. Private teachers are HIGHLY encouraged and correspondence between the student, director, parent(s), and private instructor are maintained.

Falcon Chamber Orchestra

Performance in the Chamber Orchestra is by audition only.Click Here to Download Audition Info for 2010
Students performing in this ensemble are exposed to a majority of classical repertoire and original compositions grades 4 to 6 (VBODA). This is a very high-level performance group. Students are EXTREMELY encouraged to have private instruction. Students in this ensemble carry themselves with pride and maintain a standard of excellence in performance throughout their time in the ensemble.

Cox High School Quartet

The Cox High School quartet is comprised of the top students in the Cox High School Orchestras. Its members change according the performance venue and setting. The Cox High School quartet is available for hire and will perform for but is not limited to weddings, dinners, and special occasions. For more information or to schedule a consultation please contact our director J. Aaron Hardwick at director@coxorchestra.com

James “Aaron” Hardwick

Mr. Hardwick began his music career at an early age performing in venues throughout North Carolina and the southeastern United States. He began his studies on viola and studied under Karen Huey, former violist of the North Carolina Symphony.

He holds his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from East Carolina University. While in attendance at East Carolina, he continued his viola studies under the instruction of Ara Gregorian, Nicholas Cords, Yoram Youngermann, and Kelley Mikkelsen. He has also studied conducting under the instruction of Hisao Watanabe and Dr. Scott Carter of East Carolina University. Mr. Hardwick completed his practicum studies in North Carolina under the instruction of Joli Brooks of Jacksonville High School as well as Dr. Gregory Hurley of East Carolina University.

He moved to Virginia Beach in 2007 and is now entering his fourth year as Director of Orchestras at Frank W. Cox High School.

Mr. Hardwick is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the Virginia Music Educators Association, the American String Teachers Association, and the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association. Currently, he is on staff as resident session violinist, violist, as well as composer/arranger at Ripple Studios, Recording Studios - Virginia Beach. He is also an active guest conductor and has conducted for festival and district events throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Hardwick resides in Virginia Beach with his wife Christi. He is dedicated to the advocacy of school orchestra and music programs everywhere and has spoken publicly at various venues throughout North Carolina and Virginia.

Contact Mr. Hardwick via Email at director@coxorchestra.com