FMHS ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS RESULTS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Dear Students,
Thank you so much for investing yourselves in the audition process for 2025-2026.
We know it takes a great deal of work/effort to prepare an audition. Thank you for all of your time preparing. We hope you have benefited from the work and think nothing but higher of you for doing it. The level of playing demonstrated across the program was among the highest I have observed in my 11 years at FMHS and in my 21 years of teaching. We are looking forward to working with 5 incredible orchestras and 235+ students next year. There is a place in our program where everyone can be a valuable/contributing member, and experience appropriate challenges and success. We can’t wait to welcome you, or welcome you back to the Jaguar Family.
All ensembles will be high performing ensembles that are rewarding to participate in. All orchestras participate in all concerts, activities, social events, trips, etc. Reminder that which excerpts you played does not necessarily determine which orchestra you are placed in (I.e., playing the Chamber, or Philharmonic Excerpts does not guarantee placement in that ensemble). A lot of factors are involved (ability to be successful/engaged in the repertoire, balance needs of the ensemble (i.e. an Orchestra cannot have 30 cellos, and 2 violas), commitment to the program, demonstrated effort/engagement throughout the year, etc.
For current 8th Graders: A typical path for an entering 9th grader is to move from middle school varsity orchestra to FMHS Concert Orchestra and then move through other levels of orchestra. A very limited number of 9th graders are placed in Chamber, Philharmonic, Symphonic and Camerata (i.e., there are typically 3-5 in Chamber (Varsity Level) and they have often advanced to Area/All State, 4-5 in Philharmonic, 8-10 in Symphonic, 10-15 in Camerata, etc. All Orchestras involve students Grades 9-12. You have built the skills in middle school to be successful at the high school. All orchestras build on the concepts you have built there and help you continue to progress/advance, engage in more challenging repertoire, etc.
Below are the audition results for 2025-26. This information has been sent to your guidance counselor for scheduling purposes. Both semester involvement is expected for all orchestras. Placement in the Varsity-Level Chamber Orchestra implies that you are ready to be especially committed, and rigorous about your work on your instrument (Full Year Enrollment Required). You are encouraged to enroll in the orchestra you are placed in. This is where you will experience the most success/fulfillment. You may level down, but not up for scheduling purposes (I.e., a student placed in Philharmonic could register for Symphonic, but not the reverse.)
We have a 48-hour return policy on answering questions related to auditions. We will not be answering any e-mails until Monday. If at that point you would like to have a calm, thoughtful discussion or need feedback we are happy to speak with you. If you do not see a placement listed, feel welcome to reach out and we will get you that information. We hope you will be looking forward to and celebrating the wonderful ensemble you will be part of.
Be mindful that we personally have been part of many audition processes and know the range of emotion associated with results. Part of our job as educators to help people accept good news with grace and bad news with dignity. We will remain committed and passionate about all 235+ students and 5 orchestras in our care and know you will be supportive of each other as we look forward to a fantastic year next year.
Also listed are the Officer Positions for 2025-26. Appreciate that so many wonderful students decided to apply for a position. We look forward to working with you on planning another successful year for Orchestra. Our first mission will be to plan our Fall Picnic and some welcome activities for incoming Freshman.
Again, thank you for your investment, and all of your efforts have us just thrilled for the many wonderful students we are going to have an opportunity to work with in 2025-2026!!!
LINK 2025-2026 Audition Results and Officer Positions
Moving in from Out of Town:
The audition process has been completed for 2025-26. If you are relocating from somewhere else to Flower Mound over the summer, or are considering re-joining the program please contact Stephen Clink, Director of Orchestras (clinks@lisd.net) for questions and more information. You are welcome to join and we are happy to work with you on finding a placement.
If you do not see yourself listed, but are intending to be in orchestra for 2025-26 also just reach out and we are happy to let you know your placement.