The BHS Sinfonia is the Varsity level orchestra at Bellaire HS. Members are selected through an audition process. Any current Bellaire student that wishes to audition for this ensemble must have taken orchestra for at least one year at Bellaire. Students in this orchestra participate in the annual Honor Orchestra Competition, Hauntcert, and UIL Contest. Students with private teachers are encouraged to audition for the region and state orchestras. This orchestra requires an increased level of commitment from all students. Sinfonia Orchestra students are required to participate in all scheduled rehearsals and concerts (7-8 per year). ALL NEW STUDENTS PLACED INTO SINFONIA WILL BE ON A 1-YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND MAY BE REQUIRED TO RE-AUDITION.
The BHS Philharmonic is the Non-Varsity level orchestra at Bellaire HS. Members are selected through an audition process. Students in this orchestra participate in the annual UIL contest. Students with private teachers are encouraged to audition for the region/state orchestra and participate in the solo and ensemble contest. This orchestra requires an increased level of commitment from all students. Philharmonic Orchestra students are required to participate in all scheduled rehearsals and concerts (4-5 per year).
The BHS Lyrica Orchestra is the entry level orchestra at Bellaire HS. No audition is required. Students must have at least one year of experience on a stringed instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Any freshman that does not qualify for Philharmonic or Sinfonia will be placed into Lyrica Orchestra. The main emphasis of this class is on posture, advanced rhythms, shifting, and ensemble technique. Lyrica Orchestra students are required to participate in all scheduled rehearsals and concerts (3-4 per year).
BHS Piano Class is a performance class rather than piano labs. Students are selected by audition and perform annual solo and duet recitals. Students are regularly assessed on scales and sight-reading. In addition, piano students are encouraged to participate in the annual UIL Solo Contest. There is one piano class, which is for advanced players. Space is limited, and preference is given to IB Diploma students. ALL NEW STUDENTS PLACED INTO ADVANCED PIANO WILL BE ON A 1-YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD AND MAY BE REQUIRED TO RE-AUDITION.
Juniors and Seniors in Philharmonic or Sinfonia and that have taken orchestra for at least two years may sign-up for Honors Orchestra (5.0 class). This is not a separate class. Students are simply placed onto the Honors roster for the orchestra class in which they are enrolled. Honors students are required to prepare the TMEA All-Region audition music in the fall, complete a research project each semester, and attend two professional concerts each semester.
UB Music is reserved for juniors and seniors that are IB diploma candidates. Students are required to complete all IB course requirements (music journal and portfolio). This is not a separate class. Students are simply placed onto the IB Music roster for the orchestra or piano class in which they are enrolled.