JOIN THE ORCHESTRA! Watch our promo videos: 2021-2022 2022-2023
Faubion Orchestra is a big family. The friends you make and the experiences you have will help you achieve your potential in middle school. The coordination learned from fingering with the left hand and bowing with the right are contrary-motion skills that will help you throughout your life. Eye/hand coordination from music reading adds a third dimension to your skill set. Our students love it! Read their comments here. Is your child in may activities and you're worried about having enough time for orchestra? No worries! Orchestra goes with everything--watch this.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO PLAY??
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
DO THE RESEARCH:
Research has shown that students who are involved in Orchestra receive higher SAT/ACT scores and overall highest grades. It is a fact that colleges pick students for scholarships who are involved in music, and you don’t even have to major in it! Remember, there are more stringed instruments in an orchestra, therefore more money to give away to orchestra students!
Texas All-State Student Average SAT Scores
Why Music? Video for parents--a must see
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Elective Choices in the 6th grade:
*6th grade students may choose only ONE elective.*Athletics and Cheerleading are NOT offered in the sixth grade, however Orchestra is offered starting in 6th grade. When the students reach 7th grade they can take both athletics AND Orchestra AND another elective (8th graders can take a third elective in place of PE/athletics).
*Faubion Orchestra students are equally involved in all athletics throughout the year without conflicts.
*Orchestra does not conflict with other middle school activities such as athletics or cheerleading.
*Students who are interested in playing a musical instrument MUST start it in the 6th grade. Beginning classes are not offered later. Other non-instrument electives can be joined after the 6th grade for the first time (even into high school).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What instruments are in the orchestra?
A: The orchestra is composed of stringed instruments such as violin, viola, cello, and bass. When we do "Full Orchestra" we combine with members from the band.
Q: I play the piano, is that a good thing?
A: YES! Actually, if you have music experience you would be great in the orchestra program. Not only would it be easy for you to learn your new instrument, but you will have opportunities to perform on the piano with the orchestra or as a soloist; however, NO prior musical experience or music reading is required to be in orchestra--95% of our students have never played an instrument before and started in the 6th grade learning how to hold the instrument and read music.
Q: Is string double bass the same as an electric bass?
A: Yes it is! In fact, the string bass and electric bass have the same strings and note names. The only difference is that an electric bass has frets and you hold it horizontally, while the string bass is played sitting or standing vertically, or upright and is played with the bow.
Q: Why should I choose to be in orchestra in the 6th grade and not another elective?
A: Great Question! Stringed instruments are played with a bow (the long wooden stick thing). The bow is our special voice and we can play lots of cool techniques with it. Starting orchestra in the sixth grade will better prepare you for all the fun and cool pieces you want to play later. If you know you want to play an instrument, play in the orchestra your sixth grade year, then in your seventh grade you can choose another elective to add.
Q: Does the orchestra participate in fun activities outside of school?
A: We sure do!!! Mrs. Zamora and Mr. Berens love to reward the orchestras by taking them to various contests such as Pride of Texas, PEAK Contest and UIL. We also go on field trips to the Dallas Symphony, Pinstack, and Alleycats and even colleges and universities. We have lots of fun parties (pizza parties, roller skating, laser tag, bowling, etc) throughout the year as well.
Q: I am involved in lots of activities outside of school and I don't think I will have time to practice, what should I do?
A: You won't need to practice hours and hours. We recommend 15 minutes daily outside of class for beginners. Most students end up doing more because it's fun!
Q: I'm pretty small right now. How can I possibly play those big instruments?
A: Another great question! Actually, orchestra instruments are perfect for young students because they are made of wood and can fit any size person, unlike band instruments (they only come in one size). They make small versions of every instrument so you don't have to worry about orchestra instruments being to big. As you grow, you can get your instrument exchanged for a bigger one.
Q: Is orchestra expensive? I don't think I can afford it
A: Most students rent their instruments from area music stores. There are very affordable options for every instrument. Do NOT let cost stop you from playing. We will help every student/family find an instrument that fits their budget.
Q: Is there orchestra in high school?
A: Yes, all of the McKinney high schools have great orchestra programs, but you have to have already been playing in middle school to be able to play in high school, so make sure to sign up in 6th grade!
Faubion Orchestra is a big family. The friends you make and the experiences you have will help you achieve your potential in middle school. The coordination learned from fingering with the left hand and bowing with the right are contrary-motion skills that will help you throughout your life. Eye/hand coordination from music reading adds a third dimension to your skill set. Our students love it! Read their comments here. Is your child in may activities and you're worried about having enough time for orchestra? No worries! Orchestra goes with everything--watch this.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO PLAY??
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
DO THE RESEARCH:
Research has shown that students who are involved in Orchestra receive higher SAT/ACT scores and overall highest grades. It is a fact that colleges pick students for scholarships who are involved in music, and you don’t even have to major in it! Remember, there are more stringed instruments in an orchestra, therefore more money to give away to orchestra students!
Texas All-State Student Average SAT Scores
Why Music? Video for parents--a must see
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
Elective Choices in the 6th grade:
*6th grade students may choose only ONE elective.*Athletics and Cheerleading are NOT offered in the sixth grade, however Orchestra is offered starting in 6th grade. When the students reach 7th grade they can take both athletics AND Orchestra AND another elective (8th graders can take a third elective in place of PE/athletics).
*Faubion Orchestra students are equally involved in all athletics throughout the year without conflicts.
*Orchestra does not conflict with other middle school activities such as athletics or cheerleading.
*Students who are interested in playing a musical instrument MUST start it in the 6th grade. Beginning classes are not offered later. Other non-instrument electives can be joined after the 6th grade for the first time (even into high school).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What instruments are in the orchestra?
A: The orchestra is composed of stringed instruments such as violin, viola, cello, and bass. When we do "Full Orchestra" we combine with members from the band.
Q: I play the piano, is that a good thing?
A: YES! Actually, if you have music experience you would be great in the orchestra program. Not only would it be easy for you to learn your new instrument, but you will have opportunities to perform on the piano with the orchestra or as a soloist; however, NO prior musical experience or music reading is required to be in orchestra--95% of our students have never played an instrument before and started in the 6th grade learning how to hold the instrument and read music.
Q: Is string double bass the same as an electric bass?
A: Yes it is! In fact, the string bass and electric bass have the same strings and note names. The only difference is that an electric bass has frets and you hold it horizontally, while the string bass is played sitting or standing vertically, or upright and is played with the bow.
Q: Why should I choose to be in orchestra in the 6th grade and not another elective?
A: Great Question! Stringed instruments are played with a bow (the long wooden stick thing). The bow is our special voice and we can play lots of cool techniques with it. Starting orchestra in the sixth grade will better prepare you for all the fun and cool pieces you want to play later. If you know you want to play an instrument, play in the orchestra your sixth grade year, then in your seventh grade you can choose another elective to add.
Q: Does the orchestra participate in fun activities outside of school?
A: We sure do!!! Mrs. Zamora and Mr. Berens love to reward the orchestras by taking them to various contests such as Pride of Texas, PEAK Contest and UIL. We also go on field trips to the Dallas Symphony, Pinstack, and Alleycats and even colleges and universities. We have lots of fun parties (pizza parties, roller skating, laser tag, bowling, etc) throughout the year as well.
Q: I am involved in lots of activities outside of school and I don't think I will have time to practice, what should I do?
A: You won't need to practice hours and hours. We recommend 15 minutes daily outside of class for beginners. Most students end up doing more because it's fun!
Q: I'm pretty small right now. How can I possibly play those big instruments?
A: Another great question! Actually, orchestra instruments are perfect for young students because they are made of wood and can fit any size person, unlike band instruments (they only come in one size). They make small versions of every instrument so you don't have to worry about orchestra instruments being to big. As you grow, you can get your instrument exchanged for a bigger one.
Q: Is orchestra expensive? I don't think I can afford it
A: Most students rent their instruments from area music stores. There are very affordable options for every instrument. Do NOT let cost stop you from playing. We will help every student/family find an instrument that fits their budget.
Q: Is there orchestra in high school?
A: Yes, all of the McKinney high schools have great orchestra programs, but you have to have already been playing in middle school to be able to play in high school, so make sure to sign up in 6th grade!