JOIN THE ORCHESTRA

Welcome Future Webb Orchestra Members!

It's very easy to join the orchestra!

We welcome 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Beginners and no previous musical experience is required.

We teach you everything you need to know!

Please email Ericka Pack erpack@garlandisd.net to enroll

Lets start by learning about the string instrument family and what is offered at Webb

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 Ericka Pack to begin the process. We just need the students name and what instrument they are interested in playing. We will take care of the rest.

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

The next step is selecting an instrument for your child to play. Once a student decides on a string instrument, they will need to be measured. Our string instruments come in multiple sizes, and there is one that will fit your child perfectly. You can visit any music store that is currently open to help with this, or you can wait and be measured by the director when school starts in August.

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! We try to maintain a low cost to parents and students. We have 2 fundraisers during the school year to help as well! 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.

Is any previous musical training necessary?

No. The method books used in beginner orchestra are designed to facilitate the learning of all students regardless of previous musical training. We teach the fundamentals of reading music as well as the fundamentals of playing an instrument. As students’ progress, you will be able to recognize familiar tunes (by the time of our Winter Concert, you should be very impressed!). Their progress culminates in the Spring Concert at the end of the year. If you do have a musical background, then that is a plus but is definitely not required!

Does the orchestra ever take trips?

In January, you will have the opportunity to go on a trip to see the Dallas Symphony. In 6th grade, students will take a trip to the Main Event Festival. The 7th and 8th graders travel to perform at different times of the year to places like: the Murchison Performing Arts Center in Denton, Texas, UIL Contest, the Stonebriar Mall, and various schools for contests and recruiting.

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 their campus administrators to conduct instrument selections according to their campus needs. Please communicate with your school's directors regarding schedules and procedures.