Orchestra

BEGINNER ORCHESTRA

Beginner Orchestra is made up of 1st year orchestra students, mostly 6th graders. All Beginner Orchestra members are invited to Beginner Orchestra social events, as well as other events throughout the school year. This ensemble will have 3 concerts, and go to a music festival in the spring.  The goals and objectives of this course will include improving musicianship, technique, motor skills and musical language and vocabulary.

Camerata ORCHESTRA

This Orchestra  is made up of 7th  and 8th graders. The focus for this class is to review and improve the orchestra skills that were taught in the beginner year. All Camarata members are invited to all orchestra social events. This ensemble will perform at concerts, go to the UIL Contest in the spring, and compete at a music festival. The goals and objectives of this course will be improving ensemble playing, learning new bow styles, musicality, performance etiquette, and musical vocabulary. 

Philharmonic ORCHESTRA

This orchestra is made up of advanced 7th and 8th graders. The focus for this ensemble is to go to the next level after the beginner year and prepare students form the symphonic orchestra and/or high school orchestra. All 8th grade Orchestra members are invited to all orchestra social events. This ensemble will perform at all concerts, go to the UIL Contest in the spring, and compete at a music festival. The goals and objectives of this course will be improving ensemble playing, learning new bow styles, musicality, performance etiquette, and musical vocabulary. 

Symphonic ORCHESTRA (HONORS ORCHESTRA)

The Symphonic Orchestra is made up of VERY advanced 7th and 8th graders with a desire to excel on their instrument. This is the elite performing group at Polk Middle School. This group will have sectionals before school once a week, starting promptly at 7:15 am. This group will perform throughout the community, go to the UIL Contest in the spring, compete at a music festival, and will be responsible for attending assigned before school  sectionals throughout the year. Each member of the Symphonic Orchestra will be required to audition for the All Region Orchestra. This group will be highly respected and will be asked to perform often. Individual responsibility and leadership is paramount for students at this level. The goals and objectives of this course will be advanced musicianship, ensemble playing, upper position work, leadership, excellence, dedication, and the will to succeed at anything attempted.