First Year Orchestra (FYO)
FYO is for all students who are in their first year of playing a string instrument. Our schedule includes two sections of violin classes, a viola class, a cello class, and a bass class. Students meet every day in their specific instrument class to learn the fundamentals of string playing, including posture, note reading, pizzicato and bow technique. FYO classes combine together for concerts where they are featured as a complete orchestra. FYO students participate in our Spring Solo Recitals in March and in our FYO Festival in April.
FYO is for all students who are in their first year of playing a string instrument. Our schedule includes two sections of violin classes, a viola class, a cello class, and a bass class. Students meet every day in their specific instrument class to learn the fundamentals of string playing, including posture, note reading, pizzicato and bow technique. FYO classes combine together for concerts where they are featured as a complete orchestra. FYO students participate in our Spring Solo Recitals in March and in our FYO Festival in April.
Camerata
The Camerata Orchestra is an auditioned group for students who have participated for at least a year in the orchestra program. Students will learn basic ensemble skills, review posture and technique from their first year of playing, and will learn to be proficient in one and some two octave scales. All instruments meet together daily to prepare ensemble music for our concerts. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Katy ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest in February. Participation in private lessons is encouraged for further development in their playing.
The Camerata Orchestra is an auditioned group for students who have participated for at least a year in the orchestra program. Students will learn basic ensemble skills, review posture and technique from their first year of playing, and will learn to be proficient in one and some two octave scales. All instruments meet together daily to prepare ensemble music for our concerts. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Katy ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest in February. Participation in private lessons is encouraged for further development in their playing.
Philharmonic
The Philharmonic Orchestra is an auditioned group for students who have participated for at least a year in the orchestra program. Students will review basic ensemble skills, review bow technique, and will learn to be proficient in Two Octave scales. All instruments meet together daily to prepare ensemble music for our concerts. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Katy ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest in February and in the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in March. Participation in private lessons is recommended for further development in their playing.
The Philharmonic Orchestra is an auditioned group for students who have participated for at least a year in the orchestra program. Students will review basic ensemble skills, review bow technique, and will learn to be proficient in Two Octave scales. All instruments meet together daily to prepare ensemble music for our concerts. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Katy ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest in February and in the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in March. Participation in private lessons is recommended for further development in their playing.
Lyrica
The Lyrica Orchestra is an auditioned group for students who have demonstrated a strong grasp of fundamentals and shifting. Students in this orchestra should be comfortable in 3rd and 4th position and be proficient in Two Octave Scales. Students will learn to develop a mature sound and are introduced to Three Octave Scales. All instruments meet together daily to prepare ensemble music for our concerts. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Katy ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest in January and in the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in March. Participation in private lessons is highly recommended for further development in their playing.
The Lyrica Orchestra is an auditioned group for students who have demonstrated a strong grasp of fundamentals and shifting. Students in this orchestra should be comfortable in 3rd and 4th position and be proficient in Two Octave Scales. Students will learn to develop a mature sound and are introduced to Three Octave Scales. All instruments meet together daily to prepare ensemble music for our concerts. Students have the opportunity to participate in the Katy ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest in January and in the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in March. Participation in private lessons is highly recommended for further development in their playing.
Chamber
The Chamber Orchestra is our most advanced auditioned group for students and come with the highest expectations. Students are expected to have a well developed sound, bow technique, be able to play in 5th position and higher, and be proficient in Three Octave Scales. Students have the highest performance expectations in this group to achieve a mature level of music making. This orchestra also has additional performance responsibilities, including traveling to our feeder elementary schools to recruit 5th graders to join orchestra and performing at various school events. Students are expected to participate in the Katy ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest in January, Region 23 Orchestra Auditions in October, and in the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in March. Participation in private lessons is expected for advanced development in their playing.
The Chamber Orchestra is our most advanced auditioned group for students and come with the highest expectations. Students are expected to have a well developed sound, bow technique, be able to play in 5th position and higher, and be proficient in Three Octave Scales. Students have the highest performance expectations in this group to achieve a mature level of music making. This orchestra also has additional performance responsibilities, including traveling to our feeder elementary schools to recruit 5th graders to join orchestra and performing at various school events. Students are expected to participate in the Katy ISD Solo & Ensemble Contest in January, Region 23 Orchestra Auditions in October, and in the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation in March. Participation in private lessons is expected for advanced development in their playing.
