The James Bowie Middle School Orchestra is a growing program with over 200 students who are in the process of becoming accomplished musicians. In orchestra, we focus primarily on stringed instruments, including violin, viola, cello, bass, and harp. Students learn various musical and social skills in an inclusive and welcoming environment. In addition to learning about music, students get the opportunity to travel to competitions, go on field trips, and perform in community concerts. James Bowie Orchestras consistently receive sweepstakes ratings and high marks at festivals.

Here at JBMS, we have four orchestras:

The Beginning Orchestra is made up of separate beginning instrument classes: violin, viola, cello, and bass. These students come together to make up one orchestra that performs at all concerts, including the FBISD String Fling involving over 800 beginners from around the entire district. Students in this orchestra have mostly had little to no experience playing a stringed instrument, but progress very quickly!

The Concert Orchestra is our intermediate orchestra where students cement their knowledge of musical fundamentals such as tone production, intonation, music theory knowledge, and rhythm. Students in this orchestra do not have weekly sectionals. Students in this orchestra play the lowest level of music to perfect their fundamentals.

The Philharmonic Orchestra is the second orchestra which is made up of mostly seventh and eighth graders. Most students in this orchestra have only one year of experience and learn a lot about more advanced techniques, tips, and tricks as well as playing really fun music and playing in all concerts. Students in this orchestra play medium-level music selections.

The Honor Orchestra is the top orchestra and is made up of mostly eighth graders. Several seventh graders that go above and beyond are also in this group. Members of the Honor Orchestra are the most advanced and are challenged on a daily basis. These students compete for positions in the Region Orchestra, win medals at Solo and Ensemble competitions, and bring home trophies from UIL as well as performing for the fifth graders and playing higher level repertoire.