The Orchestras

The Beginning Orchestra is for students with zero experience. Our beginning orchestra students are classically trained on violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp. Students are divided into homogenous instrument classes that meet daily during their normal school schedule. Students compete in the Beginner Solo Contest and the Beginner Festival Contest. Students perform at the Winter Concert, String Fling, and the Spring Concert. There are only 3-5 after school rehearsals a year.

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Students of all grade levels are encouraged to join this orchestra! We have many students who join us as 7th and 8th graders. All students are strongly encouraged to enroll in private lessons.

The Philharmonic Orchestra is for students who can demonstrate a developing level of vibrato, perform one octave and two octave scales and arpeggios, and produce a characteristic tone. Students perform Grade 1-2 literature. Students are required to compete in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and String Orchestra UIL. Students are required to perform at the Hauntcert, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and Pre-UIL. Furthermore, students are required to attend weekly technique sectionals and 3-5 after school rehearsals.

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Students who have played their instrument for 1-2 years are encouraged to audition for this orchestra! All students are strongly encouraged to enroll in private lessons.

The Symphony Orchestra is for students who can demonstrate vibrato, perform two octave and three octave scales and arpeggios, and produce a mature tone. Students perform Grade 2-3 literature. Students are required to compete in the TMEA Region XIII Orchestra, UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and String Orchestra UIL. Students are required to perform at the Hauntcert, Elementary Performances, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and Pre-UIL. Furthermore, students are required to attend weekly technique sectionals and 3-5 after school rehearsals.

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Students who have played their instrument for more than 2 years are encouraged to audition for this orchestra! All students are strongly encouraged to enroll in private lessons.

The Full Orchestra is comprised of our top strings, winds, and percussionists. It is for students who can demonstrate vibrato, perform two octave and three octave scales and arpeggios, produce a mature tone, and learn music at a rigorous pace. Students perform Grade 3 literature. Students are required to compete in Full Orchestra UIL and the TMEA Honor Full Orchestra contest. Students are required to perform at Pre-UIL, the Spring Concert, and recording concerts. Furthermore, students are required to attend weekly technique sectionals, weekly before school rehearsals, and 8-12 after school rehearsals.

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The Full Orchestra is by invitation only. Mrs. Hernandez and the Director of Bands select students who demonstrate the skill level, character, and maturity necessary to be successful in this ensemble.