All Bradley MS Orchestra classes meet during the school day as an elective class. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for further details and information.

6th Grade Strings I (0673)

6th grade beginner orchestra class-no previous experience required on violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Students that select Strings I will be invited to an instrument selection day in May and will receive instrument rental information and supply lists.

6th Grade Strings II (0674)

6th grade orchestra class for students with previous experience on violin, viola, cello, or string bass. Previous experience includes: participating in 5th grade strings, private lessons, other orchestra/ensemble experience on violin, viola, cello, or string bass.

7th Grade Orchestra ORCH II-GR 7 (0791)

7th grade orchestra class for students with previous experience on violin, viola, cello, or string bass. This is not a beginner class, and students are required to have previous experience playing violin, viola, cello, or string bass. There is an audition in April/May and students will be placed in the appropriate level orchestra for 7th grade (Concert Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra, Honors Orchestra).

8th Grade Orchestra ORCH III-GR 8 (0483)

8th grade orchestra class for students with previous experience on violin, viola, cello, or string bass. This is not a beginner class, and students are required to have previous experience playing violin, viola, cello, or string bass. There is an audition in April/May and students will be placed in the appropriate level orchestra for 8th grade (Concert Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra, Honors Orchestra).

3 levels of 7th/8th grade orchestra classes at Bradley MS (Placement will be determined by an audition in April/May and at the discretion of the Bradley MS orchestra directors).

EC (Concert Orchestra-C team)

ES (Advanced Orchestra-B team)

EH (Honors Orchestra-A team)

How do I sign up for Bradley MS Orchestra?

Current 5th graders: Strings I (beginner) or Strings II (previous experience)

Current 6th graders: ORCH II-GR 7 (0791)

Current 7th graders: ORCH III-GR8 (0483)

What instruments are offered in the Bradley MS Orchestra?

Violin, Viola, Cello, and String Bass

When does my orchestra class meet?

Orchestra classes at Bradley MS meet during the school day as an elective class.

How much does it cost to be in orchestra?

There is no program fee to be in orchestra, but anyone that uses a school owned instrument will pay a $30 instrument maintenance fee to Bradley MS orchestra. 6th graders have an orchestra shirt as their uniform (typically no more than $15) and 7th/8th graders have a $10 formal orchestra uniform fee. There are other event, contest, and trip fees that come up throughout the school year. We will always work with every student and parent to make sure all students can participate in the Bradley MS orchestra.

Where do I get an instrument?

There are 3 local music stores that we recommend for instrument rental and supplies for orchestra: Antonio Strad Violin, Hillje Music (Alamo City Strings), and Terra Nova Violins.

How and when do I select an instrument?

Current 5th graders that select 6th Grade Strings I (6th grade beginner orchestra) will be invited to an instrument selection day in May. They will be able to “try-out” the different instruments and we will go through instrument rental details and supply lists.

What supplies will I need?

Instrument, bow, case (cello/bass students will have a Bradley cello/bass to use on campus during their class period).

6th Graders: Essential Elements Book 1 and 2

All orchestra students: Rosin, soft cloth to clean the instrument, tuner, shoulder rest (violin/viola), rock stop (cello/bass), folding music stand (at home practice).

What concerts and activities will I be involved in?

Required (co-curricular events)

Fall Concert (October), Holiday Concert (December), Orchestra concert (March), Evening with Strings (April), Spring Concert (May).

Extra-Curricular events

Region Orchestra: November/December

NEISD Solo/Ensemble Contest (spring semester)

Selected 7th/8th graders will participate in UIL orchestra contest (February/March)

Trips, social events, and other orchestra activities will be scheduled throughout the school year.

How much before/after school time does orchestra involve?

6th graders will typically have one 7:30 a.m. morning rehearsal prior to each co-curricular concert. 7th/8th graders typically have morning tutoring/rehearsal opportunities (on an “as needed” basis). The Honors Orchestra students typically have once a week morning rehearsals throughout the school year in preparation for Region orchestra, extra gigs, and UIL contest.

Can I be in 7th/8th grade athletics and orchestra?

Yes! 7th/8th grade orchestra classes do not conflict with the 7th/8th grade athletic periods. We also work very closely with all coaches and work out any conflicts with practices and rehearsals in advance.

Can I be in school clubs and orchestra (student council, Academic UIL, NJHS, art club, book club, etc.)?

Yes! We will work with all of our Bradley MS orchestra students if there are ever any school related conflicts with any clubs, etc.