Denton Homeschool Orchestra
The only string program in Denton County offering weekday daytime classes! For total beginners and advanced players alike. Have fun with friends and become a master of music with Denton Homeschool Orchestra.
Join us for the Fall 2024 season
- Help choose your class time.
- Get matched with the right ensemble for your experience level.
- Never played before? Join our Beginner Ensemble and learn to play from the very beginning.
- For ages 7-18 (2nd grade to senior)
- Individual: $50/month; Family: $90/month.
Currently serving string players only. More instruments coming soon! Click below to register your interest, and we’ll contact you soon.
I’m interested in:
Our Ensembles
All ensembles in Denton Homeschool Orchestra will showcase a variety of music:
- classical to learn technique
- pops (movie/radio) for fun
- sacred music to remember where all the Goodness comes from
All ensembles will play a spring concert. Intermediate and Advanced ensembles will also play a Christmas concert.
All ensembles meet at 2500 Tahoe Ln, Denton, TX for rehearsals.
Beginner
Best for you if:
- You’ve never held or played an instrument
- You’re coming back after a break for 1+ years
–Help me choose which instrument I’ll like best
-Help me know where to get an instrument
Skill taught:
- How to hold your instrument and bow
- How to play notes with the bow and pizzicato (plucked with the fingers)
- How to read music
- How to care for your instrument
- How to play your first songs!
- How to play together as an orchestra
Intermediate
Best for you if:
- You are comfortable holding your instrument and playing simple songs
- You’ve had 1-2 years of private lessons, but no ensemble experience
Skills taught:
- Playing harmonies and more complex rhythms
- Increased emphasis on intonation
- Simple bowing techniques (slurs, staccato)
- More advanced finger patterns (low 2nd, high 3rd finger)
- Using the 4th (pinky) finger
- Proper orchestra seating and etiquette
Advanced
Best for you if:
- You are comfortable playing songs that are 3+ minutes long
- You have 3+ years private lessons and some prior ensemble experience
Skills taught:
- Shifting to 3rd position
- Vibrato
- Increased emphasis on musicality and expression
- Advanced bow techniques (brush stroke, portato)
- Playing in all key signatures, using all finger patterns
- Mock auditions for seating
*These are guidelines. Ensemble placement will be determined by skill level, not by age, and will be at the discretion of the conductor.
Benefits of learning–
–in this group
- More cost effective than private lessons for beginners
- Help choose your own class time
- Make friends with shared interests
- Affordable for families and individuals
- Experience the richness and harmony of ensemble playing
Join us for the Fall 2024 season
Help me choose which instrument I’ll like best
About the Director
Hi! I’m Carma. I’m a homeschool mom and an orchestral musician who loves to help our youth experience the joy the music has to offer.
I started playing piano in the 4th grade, but my real love is with the viola, which I started in the public school system in the 5th grade here in Denton.
I went on to play in all-region and all-state orchestras, as well as the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra through out my high school years. I earned my BA in music from Brigham Young University where I also played in their top ensembles. I currently perform with the Dallas arm of the Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. I can’t wait to share music with your kids!
