Arts

Orchestra

St. Agnes works together with neighboring Strake Jesuit to form the St. Agnes/Strake Jesuit Orchestra. Throughout the year, the orchestra plays at school functions, liturgies and festivals for both schools.

The St. Agnes instrumental program is one of the largest organizations among private schools in the Houston area in collaboration with Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

The mission of the St. Agnes Orchestra is to provide an opportunity for students to improve their technical and musical skills through performance using various styles and genres of music as well as enhance the orchestra member’s music education by teaching teamwork, commitment, and cooperation and create a desire for lifelong musical learning and appreciation for the arts.

The instruments required for string orchestra are violin, viola, cello, string bass, and harp. Students of all skill levels and experience are encouraged to join. Section coaches and directors will guide musicians in chair placement according to skill level. Our program provides section coaches for each major instrument (violin/viola/cello/string basses), and private instruction is encouraged for students pursuing competitive track.

The String Orchestra rehearses Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. during both semesters.
The Symphony Orchestra starts after Labor Day weekend and meets 2 times a week (Mondays in the morning, and Thursdays in the afternoon). This ensemble performs at our annual Christmas & Spring Concerts. All string players from the String Orchestra play in the Symphony Orchestra.

Chamber Orchestras perform at special functions and events. Twelve musicians are selected to perform at these events.

In total, musicians are expected to perform an average of 14 events a year.

The orchestra practices at Strake Jesuit and are led by Guillermo Hernandez-Ching.