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About the Orchestra Program
About the Orchestra Program
The Smith Middle School Orchestra is a thriving and accomplished string program with approximately 265 dedicated students. Over the years, the orchestra has built a reputation for excellence, consistently demonstrating outstanding musical achievement and growth.
The Chamber Orchestra is the premier orchestra of the program and consists of a select group of 7th and 8th grade students that rehearse diligently every school day. The Chamber orchestra has been awarded Mark of Excellence National Winner through the Foundation for Music Education in 2013 and 2023. In 2025 they performed at the American Strings Teachers Association’s National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta, Georgia resulting in the Chamber Orchestra earning the Second Place Trophy in the Middle School Division. In addition, the Chamber Orchestra has been selected as a Houston Cup Finalist in 2024 and 2025. Smith Middle School Chamber Orchestra students regularly rank high in the Region Orchestra competition, with an average of 21 students accepted into one of the two Middle School Region Orchestras for Region 27 annually.
The orchestra program has earned consistent superior ratings at the University Interscholastic League Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation since 2010 on the Non-varsity and Varsity level. The Symphonic Orchestra, a Non-Varsity Ensemble, was recently named one of two National Winners for the Citation of Excellence in 2025. The Sub Non-Varsity and Beginning orchestras have also earned Superior Ratings at the Cy-Fair Middle School Orchestra Festival in 2023 and 2024, along with Best in Class awards in the Beginner Orchestra division in 2023 and 2024. Furthermore, the Beginning Orchestra earned superior ratings at the Ann C. Roberts Festival in 2025. Moreover, our non-beginner students earn over 200 superior medals at the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Middle School Solo and Ensemble Contest each year.
Meet the Directors
Meet the Directors
Mr. Nassar Edwards
Mr. Nassar Edwards
Mr. Edwards has been the Head Orchestra Director at Smith for 4 years. Previously he was the Assistant Orchestra Director at Langham Creek High School. He graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor Degree in Music Education. He is a member of TMEA, TODA, ASTA and TMAA. He activitely performs in the 2nd violin section with the Galveston Symphony Orchestra. He enjoys trying out new restaurants, walking outside, hanging out with friends and watching reality TV, such as the Real Housewives.
Ms. Samantha Rodriguez
Ms. Samantha Rodriguez
Ms. Rodriguez has been the Assistant Orchestra Director at Smith MS for over 1 year. Her main instrument is the violin. She graduated from Baylor University in December 2024 with a Bachelor Degree in Music Education. She is a member of TMEA. Besides playing violin, some of her other interests include singing and playing piano, baking and cooking, and spending time with her family and her dog.
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