Full Orchestra
Grade Level: 7th–8th Grade
Ensemble Type: Signature Collaborative Performing Ensemble
Instruments: Strings, Winds, Brass, and Percussion
Full Orchestra is one of the most exciting and distinguished performance opportunities at Morton Ranch Junior High. This ensemble brings together the Morton Ranch Junior High Orchestra and the Morton Ranch Junior High Band to create the complete symphonic sound of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion performing together.
This collaboration allows students to experience music on a much larger scale than a traditional string orchestra or band setting. Orchestra students learn how their sound connects with winds, brass, and percussion, while band students experience the color, depth, and energy that strings bring to the ensemble. Together, students learn to listen across the full ensemble, balance between instrument families, respond to more advanced conducting, and understand how every section contributes to a powerful musical performance.
In the short history of the Full Orchestra at Morton Ranch Junior High, the ensemble has already established itself as successful. The MRJH Full Orchestra has earned Sweepstakes ratings at Texas UIL Concert and Sight-Reading, an achievement that reflects strong preparation, musical discipline, and excellence in both prepared performance and sight-reading. UIL identifies Division I as Superior, and concert/sight-reading evaluation includes both concert performance and sight-reading components.
A major part of the Full Orchestra experience is the opportunity for students to learn from respected guest conductors, clinicians, and professional musicians. The program has previously benefited from clinician work with Franz Krager from the University of Houston Moores School of Music.
In the near future, MRJH Full Orchestra students will also have the opportunity to work with Jerry Hou and Geoffrey Loff as guest clinicians. Jerry Hou is Music Director of the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and Artist Teacher of Orchestras and Ensembles at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he works with the symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber music program, contemporary ensemble, and opera. Geoffery Loff is Assistant to the Music Director at Komische Oper Berlin and has worked in major opera environments including Staatsoper Berlin, San Francisco Opera, and Houston Grand Opera.
Having world-class conductors and educators work with our students provides an extraordinary opportunity for growth. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of Full Orchestra techniques, ensemble listening, rehearsal practices, and advanced musical interpretation. More importantly, bringing artists of this level into the classroom inspires students to see what is possible through dedication, discipline, and a love for music.
As one of the most visible and exciting ensembles at MRJH, Full Orchestra allows students to perform music that is bold, cinematic, energetic, and inspiring. It is a place where students experience the thrill of a full symphonic ensemble and the pride of representing Morton Ranch Junior High at a high level.
Focus areas include: full symphonic performance, collaboration with band, advanced listening, balance between instrument families, professional guest teaching, UIL excellence, performance confidence, teamwork, and Maverick pride.