Table of Contents

About Orchestra
Course Descriptions
Our Photo Gallery

About the Music Pathway

"Nearly everyone enjoys music, whether by listening to it, singing, or playing an instrument. Music enriches our lives every day and has the power to communicate strong emotions and memories as well as calm and soothe. You could say music is a universal language!"

About Our Orchestra Program

Austin High School supports six outstanding orchestras - Camerata, Symphony, Philharmonic, and Chamber Orchestras and a special group of students comprised of musicians with no previous training in strings - our Beginning Orchestra.

These groups are composed of more than two hundred of the school's best and most accomplished students. Many of the members of this orchestra have been recognized as outstanding musicians, having been members of various TMEA Orchestras. A majority of the students have also auditioned and have been selected to participate in several organizations which draw from the best youth musicians in the greater Houston area: Houston Youth Symphony, American Festival of the Arts, and Virtuosi of Houston. This orchestra program is under the experienced leadership of Ms. Ann Victor and Zoran Jasmak.

Orchestra I
Offered in: 9 • Prerequisites: By audition only.
Description: This course is designed for the student who has developed some proficiency in performance skills. Tone production, technical facility, and musicianship are taught as each relates to performance. Participants are involved in numerous performances and competitions throughout the year. Placement in this course is by audition only. Students are required to purchase some materials and the cost may vary depending on the orchestra program and level of study. 

Orchestra II
Offered in: 10 • Prerequisites: Orchestra I and audition required.
Description: This course is designed for the student who has developed some proficiency in performance skills. Tone production, technical facility, and musicianship are taught as each relates to performance. Participants are involved in numerous performances and competitions throughout the year. Placement in this course is by audition only. Students are required to purchase some materials and the cost may vary depending on the orchestra program and level of study. 

Orchestra III
Offered in: 11 • Prerequisites: Orchestra II and audition required.
Description: This course is designed for advanced string orchestra students. Advanced tonal development, instrumental techniques, and musicality are taught as each relates to performance. Emphasis is placed on both individual and ensemble performance skills. Students are involved extensively in competitions and performances throughout the year. Placement in the course is by audition only. Students are required to purchase some materials and the cost may vary depending on the orchestra program and level of study. 

Orchestra IV
Offered in: 12 • Prerequisites: Orchestra III and audition required.
Description: This course is designed for advanced string orchestra students. Advanced tonal development, instrumental techniques, and musicality are taught as each relates to performance. Emphasis is placed on both individual and ensemble performance skills. Students are involved extensively in competitions and performances throughout the year. Placement in the course is by audition only. Students are required to purchase some materials and the cost may vary depending on the orchestra program and level of study