Students will be exposed to a variety of musical styles which broadens their minds to different cultures and historical periods in the world. They will also increase their ability to read music notation. (This symbolic system challenges the mind to use its highest creative potential and aids it in the understanding of not only art, but language and science as well.)

Being a part of musical activities is an integral part of preparing students to contribute to the world in any occupation or capacity. Band provides opportunities for students to develop individually in leadership roles, to work collectively, to set and meet goals, and develop their creativity and imagination.
List of 5 items.

5th Grade Orchestra

In 5th grade orchestra, students will begin learning the proper playing techniques for their instruments; these will include accurate playing position/posture, bowing/pizzicato techniques, beginning instrumental fingering, note reading skills, ear training, and general ensemble instruction.  With the help of the orchestra director and approval, students have the option of learning the violin, viola, cello, or double bass (selecting one instrument).  In addition, private lessons (one on one instruction) are strongly encouraged.  The 5th grade orchestra will perform for several events throughout the year including the Christmas Concert, spring Ministerium and Grandparents Day. In addition to the two class periods students will meet after school for supplementary instruction with the teacher.

6th Grade Orchestra

In 6th grade orchestra students will continue progressing toward more challenging music while sharpening their instrumental prowess and learning new skills.  They will work toward greater competency in their individual playing ability and in their ensemble performance as a whole.

In the first semester, students will review playing techniques and beginning repertoire/exercises and learn new music notation correlating the new notes with their instrument fingerings.  These practices will culminate in a Christmas Concert performance showcasing the beginning/intermediate skills acquired. 

In the second semester, students will begin counting rhythms including: mixed meter exercises, sixteenth notes, dotted eighth notes, and the corresponding rests.  They will continue learning new music notation correlating the new notes with fingerings.  They will work on achieving greater dynamic phrasing, articulation, and musicality in their ensemble performance.  These practices will culminate in a Grandparents Day performance and a music festival competition: Soundwaves/Schlitterbahn. In addition to the two class periods students will meet before school for supplementary instruction with the teacher.

School of Logic Orchestra (7th-8th)

School of Logic Orchestra (7th & 8th) students continue progressing toward more challenging music while sharpening their instrumental prowess and developing advanced skills.  Private lessons are strongly encouraged.  They work toward greater competency in their individual playing ability and in their ensemble performance as a whole. The Logic orchestra performs at the Christmas concert, chapels, at a spring concert, and at an orchestra competition at the end of the year.  Logic orchestra students will prepare audition music for the Texas Private School Music Education Association (TPSMEA) All-Region Orchestra.

School of Rhetoric Intermezzo Orchestra (9th-10th)

Students in this ensemble rehearse and perform intermediate orchestral works, which provides them with the opportunity to improve their individual playing skills, hone their group performance abilities, and expand their knowledge of musical theory and interpretation. Repertoire is varied and may include baroque, classical, romantic, and/or modern/pop pieces, which students prepare and perform at an intermediate level .The intermezzo orchestra performs concerts several times during the school year and competes in the TAPPS region/state championship each spring.  Intermezzo orchestra students are expected to have experience playing a string instrument and reading music. 

Intermezzo members will combine with the Honors Orchestra as a symphonic Ensemble meeting once a week Thursday mornings before school.

School of Rhetoric Honors Orchestra (9th-12th)

Students in this ensemble rehearse and perform important orchestral works, which provides them with the opportunity to improve their individual playing skills, hone their group performance abilities, and expand their knowledge of musical theory and interpretation. Repertoire is varied and may include baroque, classical, romantic, and/or modern/pop pieces, which students prepare and perform at an advanced level consistent with high school performance. The orchestra performs concerts several times during the school year and competes in the TAPPS region/state championship each spring. Members of this ensemble also have opportunities to audition for a place in the TPSMEA All­Region and All­State orchestra.

Students will combine with the Intermezzo Orchestra as a symphonic Ensemble meeting once a week Thursday mornings before school.