Ensembles

Chamber Strings is the varsity level ensemble made up primarily of juniors and seniors who have achieved college level technical skills and a high level of music maturity.  This elite ensemble performs professional level literature (Grade 5+), and represents Clements High School in performances throughout the state and across the nation.  Instructional emphasis is on exploration of musical expression through application of technical, musical, and communicative skills.

The typical membership in Chamber Strings is a junior or senior with Area/All-State experience or a minimum of 2 yrs. HS Region and 2 yrs. HS Solo Division I.  Annual audition for HS Region and Area are required, as well as UIL Solo performance.  Additionally, private lessons are expected.

Sinfonia is made of technically mature musicians who are dedicated to continued growth towards musical maturity. Sinfonia performs collegiate and varsity high school level music (Grade 4½-5), with an instructional emphasis on expanding musical expression through strengthened ensemble communication. 

The typical high school experience level in Sinfonia is 1 yr. HS Region and 1 yr. HS Solo Division I. Freshmen will be considered with 2 yrs MS Varsity ensemble experience and 2 yrs MS Region plus 2 yrs. MS Solo Division I.  Annual audition for HS Region is required, as well as UIL Solo or Ensemble performance.  Additionally, private lessons are expected. 

Symphonette is made of mature musicians with superior skills who are continuing their musical growth at a slightly less professional pace. Similar to Sinfonia, Symphonette performs collegiate and varsity high school level music (Grade 4-5), with an instructional emphasis on expanding musical expression through strengthened ensemble communication.

The typical high school experience level in Symphonette is 1 yr. HS Region and 1 yr. HS Solo Division I. Freshmen will be considered with MS Varsity ensemble experience and MS Region plus 2 yrs. MS Solo Division I Rating.  Annual ensemble performance at Solo & Ensemble is required.  Additionally, private lessons are highly encouraged.

Concertino is made of strong musicians with superior skills who have a strong desire to continue their musical growth. This talented group performs near the high school varsity level (Grade 4), with an instructional emphasis on reinforcing technical elements and strengthening musical expression through the development of ensemble communication.

Membership in Concertino generally reflects HS Region Audition or Region music preparation and performance. Freshmen are accepted with MS Solo Division I Rating.  Preparation and audition in the HS Region process is encouraged.  Annual participation in HS Solo & Ensemble is promoted for continued growth.  Private lessons are also encouraged.

Philharmonic is made up of students with excellent skills and a strong desire to continue their musical growth.  This talented group performs near the high school varsity level (Grade 3-4), with an instructional emphasis on reinforcing technical elements and strengthening musical expression through the development of ensemble communication.

Membership in Philharmonic generally reflects HS Region Audition or Region music preparation and performance.  Freshmen are accepted with MS Varsity experience and MS Solo Division I Rating.  Preparation and audition in the HS Region process is encouraged.  Annual participation in HS Solo & Ensemble is promoted for continued growth.  Private lessons are also encouraged.

Camerezzo is made up of students with solid technical skills who enjoy performing, but are not necessarily driven to perform at the accelerated level of an upper level groups.  They perform high school level music (Grade 3), and are encouraged to continue to improve their skills and musical maturity through positive performance experiences.  Instructional emphasis includes strengthening individual technical skills, and introducing expressive and communicative elements at the ensemble level.

Members of this ensemble are HS and MS students without Region or Solo & Ensemble Participation, or MS Non-varsity performer level. Preparation of the HS Region and participation in HS Solo & Ensemble is encouraged, but optional. Private or group lessons are encouraged to improve skills.