Orchestra Classes
With four unique ensembles in the McKamy Orchestra program, there is a place for every student, no matter what age or level of experience.
Beginner Orchestra
Students in Beginner Orchestra have little to no prior experience on violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will learn all the essentials for playing an instrument, reading music, following a conductor, and more within instrument-specific classes. Students will combine classes for concerts to create a full string orchestra. This ensemble performs in four concerts, including a beginner orchestra showcase and Peak Music Festival. Individual students have the option of performing at Solo & Ensemble. In addition, students will have opportunities for socials, parties, and field trips.
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Concert Attire: Orchestra T-shirt and blue jeans (no holes/stains)
*For more details, go to Classroom Resources*
Symphonic Orchestra
Students in Symphonic Orchestra have completed Beginner Orchestra or the equivalent of one year of experience on violin, viola, cello or bass. This is the first ensemble that combines all of the instruments into a full string orchestra. This ensemble performs in four to five concerts, including a spring festival, and potentially the UIL Concert & Sightreading Evaluation. Individual students have the option of auditioning for All-Region orchestra, and performing at Solo & Ensemble. In addition, students will have opportunities for socials, parties, and field trips.
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Concert Attire: Tuxedo formalwear or Black dress formalwear
*For more details, go to Classroom Resources​*
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra is a more advanced orchestral experience for dedicated student musicians. Students must audition in order to be placed in this ensemble. Most students have completed more than one year of experience on violin, viola, cello or bass. This ensemble performs in five concerts, including a spring festival, and potentially the UIL Concert & Sightreading Evaluation. Individual students have the option of auditioning for All-Region orchestra, and performing at Solo & Ensemble. In addition, students will have opportunities for socials, parties, and field trips.
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Concert Attire: Tuxedo formalwear or Black dress formalwear
*For more details, go to Classroom Resources​*
Philharmonic Orchestra
Philharmonic Orchestra is the most advanced ensemble in the program, and placement is determined by audition. Students in Philharmonic typically have two or more years of experience on violin, viola, cello or bass. Many students in this ensemble take advantage of private lessons. This ensemble performs in five or more concerts, including a spring festival, and the UIL Concert & Sightreading Evaluation, a Fine Arts Showcase, and more. All students will prepare the All-Region audition material for the audition in October. Individual students are strongly encouraged to participate in Solo & Ensemble. In addition, students will have opportunities for socials, parties, and field trips.
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Concert Attire: Tuxedo formalwear or Black dress formalwear
*For more details, go to Classroom Resources​*