Middle School Orchestra
Laura Crawford, East Middle School Orchestra Director: lcrawford@brownsburg.k12.in.us
Katie Stitsworth , West Middle School Orchestra Director: kstitsworth@brownsburg.k12.in.us
Welcome to the Brownsburg Middle School Orchestras! We offer instruction in four string instruments (violin, viola, cello and upright bass.) Students in all grades have fantastic performance opportunities throughout the year. Take a look below to learn more about the upcoming events for each grade level.
6th Grade REQUIRED EVENTS
- Open Rehearsal- September 18, 2023 @ 6pm
This is a Brownsburg orchestra students’ very first performance! It is a fun and informal event for students to share what they have learned in just a few short months.
- Recruitment concert (during school day)
- WEST- January 19, 2024
- EAST- January 26, 2024
6th grade orchestra, band and choir students perform for current 5th grade students to introduce the music programs offered in Brownsburg. This concert takes place during the school day. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to perform for their peers and generate interest in our program!
- String Fever Concert- May 19, 2024 location TBA
This is a performance that includes all Brownsburg orchestra students in grades 6-12! It is a celebration of the hard work at all levels throughout the school year. It is also a fantastic way for younger students to see what orchestra is like in future years.
7th grade REQUIRED events
- Fall Concert
- WEST- November 15, 2023 @ 6:30pm @ BHS Auditorium
- EAST- November 20, 2023 @ 6:30pm @ BHS Auditorium
Students first performance of the year! Students will perform 2-3 works to demonstrate what they have worked on in the beginning months of the school year.
- Spring Contest Concert
- WEST- March 14, 2024 @ 6pm @ WEST Middle School
- EAST-March 13, 2024 @ 6pm @ EAST Middle School
Students will perform three musical selections for this concert. It is unique in that we also invite three professional musicians from the Indianapolis area to adjudicate our performance. These judges evaluate our performance based on the Indiana and National Standards for Instrumental Music.
- String Fever Concert- May 19, 2024 location TBA
This is a performance that includes all Brownsburg orchestra students in grades 6-12! It is a celebration of the hard work at all levels throughout the school year. It is also a fantastic way for younger students to see what orchestra is like in future years.
8th grade REQUIRED events
- Fall Concert
- WEST- November 15, 2023 @ 6:30pm @ BHS Auditorium
- EAST- November 20, 2023 @ 6:30pm @ BHS Auditorium
Students first performance of the year! Students will perform 2-3 works to demonstrate what they have worked on in the beginning months of the school year.
- Spring Preview Contest Concert
- WEST- March 7, 2024 @ 6pm @ WEST Middle School
- EAST-March 6, 2024 @ 6pm @ EAST Middle School
Students will perform three musical selections for this concert. It is unique in that we also invite three professional musicians from the Indianapolis area to adjudicate our performance. These judges evaluate our performance based on the Indiana and National Standards for Instrumental Music.
- ISSMA Organization Contest March 8 or 9, 2024 TBA
Students will perform three musical selections for this concert. It is unique in that we also will go to a different school and play in front of professional musicians to adjudicate our performance. These judges evaluate our performance based on the Indiana and National Standards for Instrumental Music. We received a rating at the end of performance and a plate to hang in the orchestra room!
- String Fever Concert- May 19, 2024 location TBA
This is a performance that includes all Brownsburg orchestra students in grades 6-12! It is a celebration of the hard work at all levels throughout the school year. It is also a fantastic way for younger students to see what orchestra is like in future years.
Additional Performance Opportunities
ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest – February 3, 2024 location TBA
This event is a great opportunity for students to explore solo and small ensemble experiences. Students will perform for a trained professional who will provide written comments on the students’ performance.
Brownsburg Young Artists Solo Competition – February 6, 2022 @ WEST 6pm
This event is for 7th and 8th grade students who perform a solo at the Brownsburg Solo and Ensemble Contest. Unlike the Solo and Ensemble Contest, performers are ranked, with first and second places in each grade level announced. First place students will receive a scholarship to a summer music camp. This approximately $600+ value provides complete tuition, room, and board for an excellent university camp.
Chamber Orchestra- EAST Tuesdays WEST Thursdays
This after-school ensemble is for 7th and 8th grade students who desire additional music instruction and performances. In past years, the Chamber Orchestra has performed at Solo and Ensemble Contest and String Fever.
All-Region Honor Orchestra
This event is for exceptional 7th and 8th grade students in central Indiana who demonstrate a high level of performance in orchestra. Orchestra members are selected from a written application and director recommendation. Selected students come together from various schools for a fun day of rehearsals and sectionals, culminating in a performance at the end of the day.
Reward Trips
Kings Island – May 20, 2024
The 7th Grade band, orchestra and choir take an annual trip to Kings Island! This trip is purely for fun and does not involve a performance. It is optional and open to all 7th grade orchestra students who have no unexcused absences from any performance or orchestra event, and no more than two documented referrals for the entire school year.
St. Louis, Missouri – May 10-11, 2024
The 8th grade band and orchestra take an annual trip to St. Louis, Missouri! This trip involves fun sightseeing and activities as well as a performance at a local venue. Previous performances have been at Keiner Plaza, Union Station, the Old Post Office Plaza and the historic St. Louis City Hall. The trip is optional and open to all 8th grade orchestra students who have no unexcused absences from any performance or orchestra event, and no more than two documented referrals for the entire school year.