About Our Orchestras

Stafford is proud to offer mulitple orchestras to accomadate a variety of learning levels. Each group participates in our regular concerts, as well as individual performances and/or contests.

Beginner Orchestra- This orchestra is for all students that are just starting to learn their instruments. We start everything at the basic level including proper body position, how to hold and play the instruments, how to read and perform music, and the beginnings of musicianship. Students in this orchestra will participate in all concerts, Beginner Contest competition, and Solo contest in the spring.

Symphonic Orchestra (Orchestra C)- This orchestra is for students that have at least one year of previous playing experience. Students in the orchestra will continue to learn new techniques, more challenging music, as well as improve musicianship. Students in this orchestra will participate in all concerts and Solo and Ensemble competitions. All students will be encouraged to participate in All Region Orchestra Auditions in the fall. Students from this orchestra will attend a contest event in the Spring Semester. Typically, this orchestra will be composed of mostly 7^th grade students with a few 8^th graders included. Any 6^th grade students with previous playing experience may audition to be a part of this orchestra.

Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra B)- Placement in this orchestra is determined by audition.. Students in the orchestra will learn a mix of intermediate and advanced technique, more challenging music, as well as improve musicianship at a quick pace. Students in this orchestra will participate in all concerts and Solo and Ensemble competitions. All students will be highly encouraged to participate in All Region Orchestra Auditions in the fall. This group will perform as the Non-Varsity Orchestra at UIL contest in the Spring Semester. Typically, this orchestra will have a mix of 7th and 8th grade students.. Any 6^th grade student with at least 2 years of previous playing experience may audition to be a part of this orchestra.

Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra A)- This is an Audition Only Orchestra that is for students who have at least one year of previous playing experience. Students in the orchestra will learn advanced technique, more challenging music, as well as improve musicianship at an accelerated pace. Students in this orchestra will participate in all concerts and Solo and Ensemble competitions. All students will be highly encouraged to participate in All Region Orchestra Auditions in the fall. This group will perform as the Varsity Orchestra at UIL contest in the Spring Semester. Typically, this orchestra will be composed of mostly 8^th grade students with a few advanced 7^th graders. Any 6^th grade student with at least 2 years of previous playing experience may audition to be a part of this orchestra.