Frequenty 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 email Ms. De Luna or Ms. Morales

Rebecca De Luna - rdeluna@garlandisd.net

Maria Morales - mmorales3@garlandisd.net

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.