The Varsity Orchestra is the most advanced and elite ensemble at Hutch MS! In Varsity, we continue to build upon technique and information already learned to master technical, informational, historical, and musical elements!

Placement in the Varsity Orchestra is by audition and at the director's discretion.

The Varsity Orchestra is also invited to travel out-of-city on the Hutch Orchestra's Annual Spring Trip!

Members in the Varsity Orchestra have several performance opportunities including, but not limited to, the following:

• • All Hutch Orchestra concerts

  • All feeder elementary performances

  • Various Hutch community performances (pre-show performances for NJHS Inductions, award ceremonies, etc.)

  • Various Lubbock community outreach performances (such as the Because Of You Veteran's dinners & South Plains Mall Holiday performances, etc.)

  • All-Region Symphony Orchestra auditions

  • Solo & Ensemble

  • UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation

The Advanced Orchestra is Hutch's JV Orchestra! In the Advanced Orchestra, we reinforce and build upon techniques learned in Beginner/Intermediate Orchestra by learning more advanced skills, topics, and ideas!

Placement in the Advanced Orchestra is by audition and at the director's discretion.

The Advanced Orchestra is also invited to travel out-of-city on the Hutch Orchestra's Annual Spring Trip!

Members in the Advanced Orchestra have several performance opportunities including, but not limited to, the following:

• • All Hutch Orchestra concerts

  • All-Region String Orchestra auditions

  • Solo & Ensemble

  • UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation

The Intermediate Orchestra is Hutch's Sub-NV Orchestra! In the Intermediate Orchestra, we reinforce and build upon techniques learned in Beginner Orchestra by improving skills, music literacy, and technique!

Placement in the Intermediate Orchestra is most common after completing a year in Beginner Orchestra and at the director's discretion.

Intermediate Orchestra has several performance opportunities including, but not limited to, the following:

• • All Hutch Orchestra concerts

  • Solo & Ensemble

  • UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation

  • Irons Invitational Music Festival

The Beginner Orchestra is where most students at Hutch begin to learn their instruments! Beginner focuses on learning the basic skills and techniques involved with playing a stringed instrument, to read music, to perform as individuals and as a team, and acquire basic performance and concert etiquette skills.

All new students to orchestra, regardless of age, are placed in Beginner Orchestra (unless an audition has been arranged).

Beginner Orchestra has several performance opportunities including, but not limited to, the following:

• • All Hutch Orchestra concerts

  • Solo & Ensemble

  • Irons Invitational Music Festival

  • And several around-the-school mini performances!

Instrumental Ensemble is a guided practice, technique-building class designed for students who have been playing for at least a year! This specialty class is designed to explore detailed performance expectations (technique, music discovery, etc.) and general orchestral knowledge (concert etiquette how-to videos, researching famous performers, etc.).

Students must choose Instrumental Ensemble as a separate elective from orchestra; this class does not replace their regular orchestra class. Enrollment in this course must be approved by Mrs. Olivier.

Instrumental Ensemble members:

• • Receive 1-on-1 teacher instruction during class time

  • Create informational videos for the orchestra and orchestral audience

  • Guided individual learning about orchestra-related topics

  • Participate in Solo & Ensemble