Course Descriptions and Information
Performing Groups:
Beginning Orchestra - This group is for students who have never played a stringed instrument before or are returning to play after many years absence of practice. This is a one year course. This course is only offered when there is enough student interest.
Concert Orchestra - About 80% of incoming 9th graders begin their Orchestra career in the Concert Orchestra. It also includes 10th-12th graders. Members of this orchestra are experienced instrumental musicians who focus on refining their instrumental techniques, music reading and listening skills. The Concert Orchestra performs three concerts and may participate in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Members may also participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Camerata Orchestra - Members of this orchestra are experienced string musicians who continue to refine their instrumental techniques, music reading, and listening skills. The Camerata Orchestra performs several concerts and participates in UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Members may also participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Sinfonietta Orchestra - This group of intermediate musicians demonstrate their advancing musical abilities. Sinfonietta performs at least three concerts and competes in UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Additional performances may include one or more festivals. Members are encouraged to participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. Additional rehearsals and sectionals may be required of this group.
Philharmonic Orchestra - This experienced group demonstrates further advanced musical abilities. The Philharmonic Orchestra performs at least three concerts and competes in UIL Full Orchestra and String Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Additional performances may include one or more festivals. Members are highly encouraged to participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-Region auditions. Additional rehearsals and sectionals are required of this group.
Symphony Orchestra - This group of highly experienced instrumentalists consistently demonstrate superior musical abilities. The Symphony Orchestra performs at least three concerts and competes in UIL Full Orchestra and String Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Additional performances may include one or more festivals and occasional guest appearances. Members are strongly encouraged to participate in TMEA All-Region/State Orchestra auditions and UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. Additional weekly rehearsals and sectionals are required of this group.
All courses include instruction in violin, viola, violoncello, string bass and harp only.
Round Rock High School supports over 180 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.
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.
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