Hey Cardinals, did you know that McLean has three separate orchestras? Sinfonia, Philharmonic, and Symphony are all offered at McLean and taught by Mr. Gonzalez. Each orchestra has several opportunities to compete and perform. There are two major events: The TMEA Region Orchestra in January, and the UIL Concert in February.
The TMEA Region 30 Orchestra Clinic on January 24 through 25 is open for all Fort Worth ISD Symphony and Philharmonic students. Students have already begun practicing for the auditions which will take place in October. Those who get in will compete in an Orchestra concert against other school districts. The winner will be determined by a group of judges.
Later in Spring, the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation will take place. In this exciting competition, Symphony and Philharmonic students will compete for sweepstakes, or prizes. To earn the sweepstakes, the orchestras must compete against other schools and prepare three pieces of music at a high level of musicality, intonation, and ensemble. Previously, the MMS Symphony Orchestra has won sweepstakes against other schools.
At the end of each school year, orchestra students have the chance to compete individually in the Solo Ensemble. For more information about orchestra competitions and concerts, click here.
