JOIN THE RONALD THORNTON
ORCHESTRA
Why You Should Join
There is always room in the RTMS Orchestra. We are not a "capped class." If you selected orchestra as your elective choice and did not receive it on your confirmation form or your schedule, please contact the directors or your RTMS counselor. We can help you get into our great program.
We look forward to working with you!
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Email Mrs. Hernandez, the Director of Orchestras
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ANYONE can learn how to play a string instrument. You do NOT need to know how to play an instrument, read music, or have musical abilities. All students learn through work ethic, not talent.​
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You will be part of a supportive orchestra family. Students eat lunch and attend school events together. You will make a positive, supportive group of friends who will encourage you to work hard, be respectful, and make smart choices.
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String instruments come in all sizes, so you can be any size and play any string instrument! Your choice, not size or hand frame, is the most important factor in determining which instrument you will play.
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Higher GPAs and test scores on AP exams, ACTs and SATs.
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Colleges and Universities offer scholarships to string musicians, even if you do not major in music. Numerous universities allow students to perform in their orchestras while majoring in other fields such as medicine, law, science, etc.
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Students who work hard and excel at their instrument have the opportunity to teach privately at RTMS and get paid the district student rate when they become a junior or senior in high school. Students can also have volunteer opportunities by leading sectionals and rehearsals or helping with concerts and socials.
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You will improve your quality of life by alleviating your stress and working on your academic and social-emotional needs.
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Colleges and universities favor students who can show commitment on their applications. Orchestra students can show a seven-year commitment to a successful program.
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You learn vital skills you need to be successful in life and in any workplace.
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You are part of a program where you truly matter. You have teachers and peers who care about you and will help you succeed.
Testimonials
"Our daughter joined the Ronald Thornton Middle School orchestra as a 6th grader and has absolutely loved it! She has learned cello technique, theory, sight reading, and musicality in a positive, supportive, fun, and encouraging environment from her exceptional teacher, Mrs. Hernandez. Mrs. Hernandez expects hard work from her students, challenging them to improve, while she makes orchestra lots of fun and feel more like a family.
We have been very pleased with the level of music education and dedication from Mrs. Hernandez and the amazing support from Fort Bend ISD Fine Arts. Mrs. Hernandez has structured the ideal learning experience, as beginning 6th grade students attend daily orchestra class as a small group who play the same instrument, allowing them to develop correct technique and a great foundation. There are 2 orchestras for 7th and 8th graders, who enjoy playing together as a group, attending sectionals and rehearsals outside of class.
Mrs. Hernandez is a visionary and even worked with the Thornton Band directors to create a full orchestra (strings and wind instruments combined), which is quite uncommon at the middle school level. Mrs. Hernandez encourages all students to take private instrument lessons from wonderful musicians, whom she knows personally, and who travel to Thornton, which is convenient for us.
Playing in the Ronald Thornton Orchestra is an exciting, fun, rewarding experience for my daughter, and I wish I had this wonderful opportunity at her age with Mrs. Hernandez as MY teacher!"
Molly Price
Proud Orchestra Mom