About Us
Inspiring the Next Generation of Musicians
The mission of Sandra Day O'Connor High School Orchestras, is to provide the premier orchestral experience for the youth of Helotes, TX and the surrounding area, is to enhance education, enrich the community, and transform lives by pursuing excellence in classical music in a stimulating, nurturing, and fun environment that is equally accessible to all students.
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The O'Connor HS Orchestra provides young musicians of all backgrounds the opportunity to play music together so they can learn, grow, and thrive while connecting with the community. We provide transformative music experiences to more than 300 young musicians in our feeder middle and elementary schools. The O'Connor HS Orchestra connects motivated young musicians together and provides a world-class experience that helps youth grow creatively, academically, and socially.
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The O'Connor HS Orchestra envisions a community where all musically-inclined students at O'Connor have a chance to pursue their interests and maximize their potential. We week to find remove financial and social barriers to high-quality music education and designs its activities around this purpose.
Our Story
Creating Beautiful Music Since 1998
Opening with the school in 1998, the O'Connor High School Orchestra is celebrating it's 26th year in existence. We have 3 performing orchestras that make up the group: Symphony Orchestra, (Varsity) Philharmonic Orchestra (JV), and Concert Orchestra (Sub Non-Varsity). We have an ever expanding program of more than 100 talented musicians.
The program also offers a class called Instrumental Ensemble where students can have a class during the school day to solely practice their instrument individually. Lastly, we offer Music Theory AP for those considering majoring or minoring in music or those with a music background that want to learn more about writing, reading, listening, and analyzing music.
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The OC Orchestra has performed strongly and received the highest ratings at U.I.L. Concert/Sight-Reading competitions each year. The group also consistently performs as a Symphony Orchestra combining with the woodwinds, brass, and percussion sections of the band. Their perform high-quality repertoire at a high level of musicality. The orchestra also participates in U.I.L. State Solo & Ensemble with many students receiving Superior awards and yearly about 10-15 students advancing to State Solo/Ensemble. Lastly, our orchestra consistently participates in the Region 29 All-Region orchestra with many students being selected as part of this honor orchestra. In 2022, we had student go on to the state level and was selected to perform with the TMEA Texas All-State Concert Band. We hope to keep these successes a long-lasting tradition.
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We are fortunate at O'Connor High School to have dedicated students, teachers, administration, staff, and parents. It has a strong sense of community and pride that is evident in all of its programs. Thank you for visiting the orchestra page! We appreciate your ongoing support!