Welcome to the MMS & AHS Orchestra homepage! Here, you'll find information about the classes and resources to help you be successful in orchestra. From the beginning of 6th grade to the end of senior year, students can grow musically and as an individual through musical training, rehearsals, performances, and extra opportunities outside of school.
My goal as a teacher is to help students find a passion for music that extends into adulthood no matter which career path they take. The skills learned through playing an instrument in an ensemble go far beyond music!
Did you know?
Music trains many different parts of the brain and builds skills far beyond musical knowledge. Including:
Pattern recognition & Math comprehension (yes, math!) - fundamentally, music is mathematical and made up of repeating patterns. Learning how to read and comprehend music strengthens the same part of the brain that is used in solving math problems.
Language and Auditory processing - Learning to recognize symbols in a line of music uses the same brain function as recognizing letters to form a sentence. Being a musician teaches you to listen carefully and think about what you’re hearing, which helps train the brain’s processing speed.
Physical coordination - String instruments specifically, involve using both arms independently, and trains the brain to do two completely different motions at the same time. It also involves specific and careful movements, which helps general motor functions.
When you play an instrument, your brain has to do all of these things (and more) at the same time!