Lower School Orchestra
The optional strings program is provided for our students from 1st grade (Yes, that’s right, a young child playing a violin sized just for him/her) through 5th grade. As they progress and become more skillful on their instrument, many of our students are able to play with the Middle School Orchestra. These students often choose to continue their string instrument study as they enter Middle School. They often become leading musicians in the Middle and Upper School Orchestras.
Middle & Upper School String Orchestra
The Brook Hill School offers string instruction for students in grades 6-12 through the following programs: Beginning 6th Grade Strings, Middle School Orchestra, Upper School Orchestra, Advanced String Ensemble, and Jazz Strings. Students regularly receive small sectional and large ensemble instruction, and arrangements can be made for individual on-campus instruction. Individual on-campus instruction can be made available during or after school hours. Orchestra students participate in a wide range of performance opportunities from solo to large ensemble performances, community to school concerts, and competitions at the region and state levels. The Brook Hill Strings program continues to have an award-winning track record, and offers the education and training needed for those desiring to continue their music study at the college level.
Here’s what some of the orchestra students have to say:
“Orchestra has improved my life by building confidence in me. I am not as afraid of playing for a big crowd of people. My talents have improved greatly! Two years ago I had never picked up a violin and now I play music I never would have imagined with Mrs. Reason and the orchestra.” -Emma, MS Orchestra violinist
“I enjoy playing my instrument because I love making music. My favorite thing about being in Orchestra is getting to be a part of a big group of people who love music.” -Taylor, Varsity Orchestra violist
“Through performing I enjoy my spirit connecting with God. I enjoy playing violin to celebrate God.” -Jin, Upper School Orchestra violinist
Brook Hill Orchestra Alumni
We are incerdibly proud of our orchestra alumni who, while at Brook Hill served as outstanding musicians and leaders, went on to pursue music after graduating.
Sarah Reason, 2003 Brook Hill graduate, continued her music studies at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene where she received her Bachelor’s degree and Teaching Certification in Instrumental Music Education. She is currently in her fifth year as Director of Orchestras at Mann Middle School in Abilene, Texas.
Noah Claytor, after graduating from Brook Hill in 2007, continued his music studies at Stephen F. Austin University majoring in cello performance and instrumental music education. As a newly certified instrumental music teacher, Noah landed his first job last fall as Orchestra Director at Memorial High School in Pasadena, Texas. His outstanding efforts and teaching not only helped earn his 5A Orchestra UIL Sweepstakes, but the honor of being named First Year Teacher of the Year!
A native of Seoul, Korea, HeeChan Chang, Brook Hill 2008, is a recent graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he studied violin performance under Charles Castleman. At the age of 15, he made his solo debut with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. He has served as principal violinist of the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra, Eastman Philharmonia, and Colorado College of Music Festival. HeeChan hopes his time at the Yale Divinity School and ISM will strengthen him as a Christian and provide training that will allow him to become an effective minister.
Brook Hill 2010 graduate, Mason Lieberman, began his collegiate cello and music composition studies at Stephen F. Austin University before transferring to Berklee School of Music. While at Berklee, Mason has participated in several exciting performance and composition opportunities which include performing with Quincy Jones and Jimmy Page, making a recording for an upcoming Nintendo project, and composing music for game apps.