HPMS’s Philharmonic and Concert Orchestras consist of both 7th and 8th Graders who wish to continue playing the instrument they’ve learned on in previous years. Selection into this group is by audition and director recommendation.
When do they meet? During the school day, the Philharmonic and Concert Orchestras each will meet during a full class period. Members of these orchestras will also be required to attend one rehearsal outside of the school day each week throughout the school year. (This schedule is determined during the first week of school. Extensive efforts are made to avoid conflicts with athletic commitments in order to minimize conflicts. Additional rehearsal or sectionals may be added throughout the year and will always be communicated in advance.)
What you can expect:
What’s next: At the end of the year, they may choose to continue with the Philharmonic or Chamber Orchestras or audition for the Chamber Orchestra.
Performances: Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestra students perform in concerts throughout the year including a fall, winter and spring concert. There are also informal performances that the students love to participate in as well such as the fun “Hauntcert” Halloween concert at NorthPark Mall, “Caroling” in the Elementary Schools, Barnes and Noble featured musicians, Practice-A-Thon and much more. Please visit the Home page to read through some of the post photos to get more of an idea!
Other fun items: Informal after-school parties, “End-of-the-year” parties, rewards, and other activities are sprinkled throughout the year to encourage students to have fun together outside of playing their instrument.
Requirements: Please refer to the Orchestra Handbook for all requirement details. Examples include:
- Required to prepare for and perform concerts throughout the school year
- Encouraged (but not required) to participate in the TMEA All-Region Orchestra process
- Required to Perform at Solo and Ensemble Contest
- Required to Perform at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest
Supply Lists: