Our Ensembles

Beginning Orchestra
This orchestra is designed for students of all ages who have not had previous experience playing a string instrument.  Students will work together twice a week to learn note and rhythm reading, where those notes can be found on the instrument, how to hold and play the instrument, and learning to play with the other students.  Students who participate in a begging group once a week at their school can join us on Saturday to get a second day of instruction.  Students can choose between violin, viola and cello.  After completing the program, students will be ready to move into the String Orchestra in our program.
​String Orchestra
This is our second level of orchestras, for students with mastery of the high and low second finger and are learning the other finger patterns.  Most students in this group will have been playing for one to two years.  While participating in this group, students will become stronger players in all finger patterns and more complex rhythms and will begin learning to shift into other positions.
Philharmonic Orchestra
This is the intermediate level string ensemble and students in this group will be able to play in all the standard first-position hand patterns, as well as early shifting into third and fifth position. Students will perform standard musical literature in the string orchestra genre and higher-level educational music.  They will learn various sound qualities while trying out different bowing styles for the works of the composers from different time periods.
​Symphony Orchestra
This group consists of the most advanced string, woodwind, brass and percussion players from the area. Students in this group will be able to demonstrate advanced techniques in order to perform the standard orchestra repertoire, including the ability to play in all keys and be strong in shifting skills. Students will experience the different aspects of each music period and will experience the joy of being together and discovering his or her own artistic uniqueness while playing different roles, such as section leader, soloist and ensemble member.
​Adult Community Orchestra
Led by Hank Chang, the Denton Community Orchestra is an adult volunteer program for musicians in the community to get together and play fun music.  As an off-shoot of the youth symphony, the orchestra gathers weekly to rehearse and performs 2-3 concerts each year, with many opportunities to mentor and perform with the members of the youth symphony.