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 experience the joy of music with Denton Homeschool Orchestra.
Join us for the Fall 2025 season
(Winter 2025 Sign Ups now closed)
- 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.
- Classes begin: Sep 8, 2025
- see the class schedule
- For ages 8-18 (2nd grade to senior)
- Individual: $60/month; Family: $110/month.
- 1 opening for an experienced pianist (at least 12 years old and 4+ yrs private lessons).
Currently serving string players and pianists 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 concert in December and April/May at The Recital Hall in the music building at UNT. Our next concert will be Thursday, May1st, 2025, at 7:00 PM.
Weekly rehearsals held at 2500 Tahoe Ln, Denton, TX. Temporary change — 3000 Old North Rd, Denton TX 76210. Enter north side of building.
Every child shines! Most orchestral music emphasizes the violins with all others playing a more supporting role. In contrast, at Denton HSO, during every concert for the Novice ensemble and above every instrument will have a showcase moment. This shared spotlight allows each child to show their glow, and we are all brighter for it.
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
Skills 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
Novice
Best for you if:
- You are comfortable holding your instrument and playing simple songs
- You’ve had 6-12 months of private lessons, or 1 year of ensemble experience
Skills taught:
- Playing simple harmonies
- Increased emphasis on intonation
- Increased emphasis on unified bowing
- More advanced finger patterns (low 2nd)
Intermediate
Best for you if:
- You are comfortable playing songs with harmony that are more than 1 minute long
- You’ve had 1-2 years of private lessons, or 2 years of ensemble experience
Skills taught:
- Playing more complex harmonies and rhythms
- Increased emphasis on intonation
- Simple bowing techniques (slurs, staccato)
- More advanced finger patterns (low 1st, 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, or 4 years of ensemble experience
Skills taught:
- Shifting to 3rd/4th 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
- Make friends with shared interests
- Affordable for families and individuals
- Experience the richness and harmony of ensemble playing
Join us for the Fall 2025 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 throughout 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!
Musician Before Program
The development of your musician is more important than any single program.
We hope you’ll come make music with us at the Denton Homeschool Orchestra, but if it doesn’t fit for your family, we hope you’ll pursue music with a group that does! Here’s a map to help on your search:
Us! Denton Homeschool Orchestra
Other teaching orchestras that also offer weekday daytime instruction
Audition-only performance orchestras for advanced players, usually with weekend rehearsals