vbo info

The Varsity Orchestra is the top performing ensemble at Beethoven.  Varsity students expand their musical literacy and advanced performance skills, and are expected to demonstrate cooperative learning and leadership skills, as well as the highest level of student professionalism.  Student in the Varsity Orchestra represent Beethoven in TMEA All-Region and TMEA All-State Auditions, UIL String and Symphony Orchestra Evaluations, UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, and Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.  We have a full concert season throughout the year and are very involved in our Fine Arts and Beethoven Secondary communities.  Varsity students are expected to perform at Guard Rallies, gigs, Graduation, and run-out performances as requested by our school.  Our BOLT team creates awesome social activities and participates in the TODA High School Student Leadership Day in August.  The Varsity Orchestra will attend an out-of-town overnight trip in the Spring.

High school students who complete 9-12th grade in Orchestra are eligible to receive their Orchestra Letterman Jacket during their senior year.

The Honor Orchestra is the top-performing middle school ensemble at Beethoven.  Honor students will tackle more advanced technique and repertoire and are expected to act as the student leaders of the Middle School.  Honor Orchestra students will compete and be prepared to earn top placements in TMEA All-Region auditions, UIL String and Symphony Orchestra Evaluations, and VBO Solo and Ensemble Contest.  In addition to competitions, Honor Orchestra will have 5 concert performances, Guard Rally presentations, Orchestra Field Trips, and Orchestra Family Funtime Activities.  The Honor Orchestra goal will be to travel to Fiesta Texas for our Spring Trip.  Honor Orchestra students who feel called to be Orchestra Leaders may run for a BOLT Jr. position in the Fall Semester.

The Advanced Orchestra is the second performing middle school ensemble at Beethoven, and competes as the Non-Varsity Middle School group at UIL.  Advanced Orchestra students have mastered orchestra fundamentals and are ready to explore more advanced technique and repertoire.  Students in Advanced Orchestra participate in TMEA All-Region Auditions, UIL String and Symphony Orchestra Evaluations, and VBO Solo and Ensemble Contest.  In addition, the Advanced Orchestra will have 4 concert performances, Guard Rally presentations, Orchestra Field Trip to Main Event, and Orchestra Family Funtime Activities.  Advanced Orchestra students who feel called to be Orchestra Leaders may run for a BOLT Jr. position in the Fall Semester.

The Intermediate Orchestra is made up of 6th grade students who have been in VBO before and have mastered the fundamental instrument skills of Beginner Orchestra.  Intermediate students will level up their instrument and note reading skills, and learn how to work together as a team.  Intermediate Orchestra students participate in the Winter and Spring concerts, VBO Solo Contest, and combine with the Beginner Orchestra for the End-of-Year Field Trip to Flamingo Bowl and Peter Piper Pizza!

Students in the Beginner Orchestra will learn the fundamentals of how to play their instrument, how to read music, and how to work together as a team.  Any student can play an orchestra instrument - there is a right instrument and a right size for every person!

Beginner Orchestra students will have a concert performance for friends and family to see, and get to do fun activities as an orchestra family.  Beginner Orchestra students join the Intermediate Orchestra for our End-of-Year Field Trip to Flamingo Bowl and Peter Piper Pizza!

If their schedule permits, students in 8th-12th grades may sign up for a second Orchestra course:  Instrumental Ensemble.  This course provides small and individual attention and teaches students how to practice effectively.  This is an excellent opportunity for students preparing TMEA or UIL auditions, expecially those hoping to make it to the State level.  Please ask your counselor for more information.