THE ORCHESTRA
The Seven Lakes Junior High Spartan Orchestra is 319 members large, with five performing orchestras in addition to the First Year Orchestra for beginning players. The orchestras are consistently successful in the Katy ISD Solo and Ensemble Contest, TMEA All-Region Orchestra, University Interscholastic League Concert and Music Literacy Evaluation, and other festivals around the state.
The Spartan Orchestra students are brilliant and spirited, often involved in a multitude of activities outside of music. Many participate in piano lessons, choir, Science Olympiad, tennis, volleyball, basketball, track and field, football, theatre arts, National Junior Honor Society, and Spartan Round Table. The Chamber Orchestra has been recognized as finalists and winners at the state and national level.
The Spartan Orchestra students are brilliant and spirited, often involved in a multitude of activities outside of music. Many participate in piano lessons, choir, Science Olympiad, tennis, volleyball, basketball, track and field, football, theatre arts, National Junior Honor Society, and Spartan Round Table. The Chamber Orchestra has been recognized as finalists and winners at the state and national level.
FIRST YEAR ORCHESTRA
First Year Orchestra (FYO) is a year-long class where students learn the fundamentals of their instrument. Students do not have to have any experience to join FYO! We have three concerts, one group contest, one individual contest, and multiple social events throughout the year.
PERFORMING ORCHESTRAS
Camerata, Lyrica, Philharmonic, Sinfonietta, & Chamber
The Performing Orchestras are auditioned groups that meet every day throughout the year. Current SLJH Orchestra members are auditioned each year in April, and new students will set up an audition time with Mrs. Gingell. Our Performing Orchestra classes build on the fundamentals of the FYO classes, and students rehearse to form a tight-knit ensemble. We have three concerts, three group contests, two individual contests, and multiple social events throughout the year.
ACCOLADES
2022-2023
- The Midwest Clinic, Selected Ensemble
- TMEA Honor Orchestra Finalist, 6th Place
- Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, Best Overall Orchestra (Chamber)
- Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, Best in Class (Sinfonietta, Lyrica, and FYO)
- Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, Runner-Up in Class (Philharmonic)
- Foundations for Music Education, Mark of Excellence National Winner
- Foundations for Music Education, Citation of Excellence National Winner
- The Houston Cup, First Place
- Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, Best Overall Orchestra (Sinfonietta)
- Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, Best in Class (Lyrica)
- Foundations for Music Education, Mark of Excellence National Winner
- Foundations for Music Education, Citation of Excellence National Winner
- ASTA National Orchestra Festival, Selected Ensemble; named Grand National Champion
- The Houston Cup, Finalist
- Foundations for Music Education, Mark of Excellence National Winner
- Music for All National Festival, Selected Ensemble
- Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, Runner-Up in Class (Sinfonietta)
- Foundations for Music Education, Mark of Excellence Commended Winner