Comprehensive information regarding Orchestra in GISD

BEGINNING ORCHESTRA

Orchestra instruction is first offered in the fourth grade at Hillside, Kimberlin, Spring Creek and Walnut Glen Elementary schools and sixth grade at Austin, Jackson, and Webb middle schools. During the first year, students study tone production, fingering, rhythm, instrument care, and basic musical terms. Performance skills on simple melodies are developed and students are given several opportunities to perform in concerts and local orchestra contests such as Solo and Ensemble and Spring festivals. Students are scheduled into “like-instrument” classes rather than a full orchestra. The small class allows for more individual attention from the teachers. Limiting the class to one or just a few similar instruments is an efficient teaching method that accelerates the learning process. Participating in an optional private lesson program can further accelerate and enhance learning. While 6th grade is the ideal time to begin orchestral instruction, enrollment in Beginning Orchestra is open to all interested middle school students. However, students are encouraged to join in the sixth grade in order to begin instruction with their grade level peers.

CONCERT ORCHESTRA

After the initial year, students are assigned to one of three performing concert orchestras (Intermediate, Advanced, Honors) based on their mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. Further musical study in orchestra continues through high school and satisfies the state fine arts requirement for high school graduation. All of the instruments of the orchestra will now be present in class, enabling students to focus on improving their ensemble skills while working collaboratively with their classmates. In addition to further development of individual and ensemble musical skills, these orchestras offer a variety of performance opportunities including concerts, pep rallies, festivals, on campus events and UIL assessments.

Students are also encouraged to perform as individuals in Solo & Ensemble Competitions throughout middle and high school. Each October, judges select the top students to perform with the All-District Orchestra in December. Orchestra students in grades 7-12 also have the opportunity to do a similar audition at the Region level. In high school, these top performers at the region level may earn a place in the TMEA All-State Orchestra. A number of college scholarships are awarded to GISD’s student musicians every year.

MARIACHI

Students have the opportunity to join mariachi programs at Austin Academy during “zero hour” under the direction of Mr. Jesus Pineda, as well as at Jackson Technology Center during class, under the direction of Ms. De Luna.

The GISD Mariachi Estrellas, or "All-Stars," is a performance group consisting of band and orchestra students from North Garland High School. The group is a club, which meets and rehearses after school. Students are able to earn community service credit and perform year-round for community events. They are under the direction of Ms. De Luna.

The GISD Mariachi Oro, or "Gold," is a performance group consisting of band and orchestra students from Garland High School. Students participate in either Mariachi level one or level two ensemble classes during the school day. Classes combine for after school rehearsals to comprise Mariachi Oro. They perform year-round for community events and are under the direction of Mr. Pineda.

Students that choose to participate in these groups will have a chance to compete in mariachi festivals, the All-Region Mariachi and as a group in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Competition.

AWARD AND RECOGNITION

Students are also encouraged to perform as individuals in Solo & Ensemble Competitions throughout middle and high school. Students also have the opportunity to audition for a position in the All-Region Orchestra in December. In high school, these top performers at the region level may earn a place in the TMEA All-State Orchestras. A number of college scholarships are awarded to GISD’s student musicians every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

My child did not originally sign up for orchestra during the Choice of Subject period. Is it too late?

It is not too late to sign up for orchestra! Please contact your child's school orchestra director to begin the process. Find contact information below for your school.

My child is signed up for orchestra. What do we do next?

The next step is selecting an instrument for your child to play. We help you and your child make this decision based on many factors. All students will go through an instrument selection process with your school's directors before being officially placed into a particular instrument class.

Can students be in orchestra and other activities?

YES. We encourage our students to participate in athletics and other school activities. Many of our orchestra members are star athletes, cheerleaders, and also lead in academics. For many 6th graders, they will only have one elective. These opportunities to be in other activities often come when they are in 7th grade. Many factors such as grades and placement in their core classes determine their elective availability.

Does it cost a lot of money to be in the orchestra?

NO. Reasonably priced new and used instruments are available at local music stores. Most students rent an instrument on a rental-purchase plan with a small monthly payment. Furthermore, GISD provides the larger and more expensive instruments at very little cost. The Orchestra director at your GISD middle school will help you select and obtain an instrument. Please do not obtain an instrument before meeting/communicating with your director.

What steps are being taken during this time regarding COVID-19?

Current restrictions have altered our strategies, but one common goal remains consistent among our GISD orchestra programs: The safety and well-being of our students comes first. Directors are working with campus administrators to conduct instrument selections according to their campus needs. Please communicate with your school's directors regarding schedules and procedures.

See you in Fall 2020! Stay Safe!