Round Rock High School supports over 200 string instrument players in five outstanding ensembles and 350 band students in five ensembles. Several members participate in acclaimed orchestra/band programs outside the school, including the Texas Music Educators Association Region and State orchestras and bands, Austin Youth Orchestra, Central Texas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Williamson County Orchestra. The orchestra rehearses with Round Rock Band members to make two full symphonic orchestras every year and the band directors are co-conductors of these ensembles.
The Round Rock High School Orchestra has had a rich tradition of awards and performance including dozens of UIL Sweepstakes and have performed at the beautiful Round Top Festival Institute 2011, 2015 and 2018. The orchestra has been named Grand Champions of multiple competitions including the Lone Star Competition in Dallas 2009, 2017; Space City Competition Houston 2011; Orlandofest in Florida 2012 and the Ozark Music Festival in Branson, Missouri, 2013. They have been selected to perform at the National Youth Concert/Premier Performances at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. The ensemble has recently been named National Winner of Foundation for Music Education Mark of Excellence in 2017 and Commended Winners in both string and full orchestras in 2018. In 2018, the orchestra was selected to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference which is host to over 18,000 members from all 50 states and over 40 different countries.
All orchestras will perform at concerts, be invited to social events, and have in class learning opportunities. Additionally, all orchestra members may participate in any trips taken during the year!
Each orchestra also has the opportunity to compete at UIL contest. For more information, please visit the UIL Concert and Sightreading page
The Round Rock High School Orchestra has had a rich tradition of awards and performance including dozens of UIL Sweepstakes and have performed at the beautiful Round Top Festival Institute 2011, 2015 and 2018. The orchestra has been named Grand Champions of multiple competitions including the Lone Star Competition in Dallas 2009, 2017; Space City Competition Houston 2011; Orlandofest in Florida 2012 and the Ozark Music Festival in Branson, Missouri, 2013. They have been selected to perform at the National Youth Concert/Premier Performances at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022. The ensemble has recently been named National Winner of Foundation for Music Education Mark of Excellence in 2017 and Commended Winners in both string and full orchestras in 2018. In 2018, the orchestra was selected to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Conference which is host to over 18,000 members from all 50 states and over 40 different countries.
All orchestras will perform at concerts, be invited to social events, and have in class learning opportunities. Additionally, all orchestra members may participate in any trips taken during the year!
Each orchestra also has the opportunity to compete at UIL contest. For more information, please visit the UIL Concert and Sightreading page
-
Beginning Orchestra
-
Concert Orchestra
-
Camerata Orchestra
-
Sinfonietta Orchestra
-
Philharmonic Orchestra
-
Symphony Orchestra
<
>
Beginning Orchestra: Beginning Orchestra is offered for students who have never had a chance to play an Orchestra Instrument before! Sadly, this class will not be offered in the 2026-27 school year.
Concert Orchestra: Students in the Concert Orchestra will hone foundational technique and work on important musical concepts like rhythm and pitch. We also focus on concepts like scales to facilitate better practice and improvement.
Camerata Orchestra: Students in the Camerata Orchestra are still honing their foundational skills while beginning to learn other concepts like dynamics. The music is more challenging, with more complicated parts and rhythms.
Sinfonietta Orchestra: Students in the Sinfonietta Orchestra usually are beginning to feel more comfortable with foundational techniques, and are exploring advanced ideas like shifting and certain bow strokes.
Philharmonic Orchestra: Students in the Philharmonic Orchestra are often met with substantially more challenging music in length, maturity, and technique. Students at this level also participate in full orchestra contest during the spring.
Symphony Orchestra: Students in the Symphony Orchestra are often presented with professional level repertoire, with many technical and musical demands. In addition to previously listed activities, Students are expected to attend sectionals and extra rehearsals, may audition for TMEA Region 26 All-State and All-Region orchestras, and perform chamber music