Tompkins High School Orchestras

UPCOMING EVENTS

May
3 Senior MAR
4-6 Asynchronous Orchestra Days
10 Senior MAR
11 Final Concerts and Senior Tribute
19 TOF Board Meeting
21 Seniors' Last Day of Classes
22 Orchestra Banquet 2021
24 8th Grade Orchestra Parent Night
25 OTHS Graduation
27 Early Dismiss
28 Officer Workday

2021-2021 Audition Material

Audition music for the 2021-2022 school year will be release to all student on this website the evening of April 1st, 2021. Look for a link below that will contain etudes required for the different levels of orchestra. This along with the other requirements listed in the Audition Information link is what you are responsible for performing to be a part of the Tompkins HS Orchestra program. Good luck!

Remember, that your audition performance is only one component of your auditions. Your daily work habits, director recommendation, and list of previous participation, such as solo & ensemble, all determine your placement for the coming year.

Violin Etudes
Viola Etudes
Cello Etudes
Bass Etudes

Audition Submission Procedure

**AUDITION SUBMISSION FORM**
When you have completed your recordings upload them to your google drive and place in ONE folder. Rename the folder using this convention:

YOUR INSTRUMENT - LAST NAME, FIRST NAME
Example: Cello - Porter, Mister

You must set sharing permission from a computer (not a device) to "Anyone with the link". Failure to do so will result may result in delayed results and possibly, a lower placement. Good Luck & Good Skill!

Pianists approved for an audition: Please post a performance link above. I will post a sign up for sight-reading time later this week. This will take place the week of May 3rd.

Piano Auditions

For those students that have been approved to audition for piano (current OTHS pianists & students that have notified Mr. Porter) please note that your solo performance should be submitted in the above link similar to all other orchestra auditions. Also, we need to hear your scale proficiency and sight reading skills.

Please review the available audition slots for scales and sightreading. All auditions are in-person at Tompkins High School unless you request a zoom meeting. Please enter from the back of the school near the band trailer (fine arts entrance). Please arrive at least 5 minutes early.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4aa8af2ba7f85-piano

TMEA Audition Results

Congratulations to our 29 All-Region Orchestra members, our 17 All-Area Orchestra members, and OUR THIRTEEN ALL-STATE Orchestra members from the OTHS Orchestras. Mr. Porter and Ms. Mart are beyond proud of all your hard work and dedication to your craft. Job well done!

Making a Difference in our Community

We are excited to be in a position to help our community that has supported the OTHS orchestra program in the past. Please see the linked email regarding our 2020-2021 spirit night that benefit our wonderful community.
SPIRIT NIGHTS 2020-2021

Mandatory Parent Night - Video Premieres 9/3 - 7:00 PM

All current orchestra parents must view this presentation before registering their child. All forms and fees must be submitted by September 4th (Friday). Drive-by payment drop off service will be available for families that choose not to pay online.

WHY IS POSTURE SO IMPORTANT?

Besides performing at maximum efficiency, body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that "power posing" -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident -- can boost feelings of confidence, and might have an impact on our chances for success. Body posture shapes who you are.

DONOR CIRCLE PROGRAM

Our 2019-2020 Donor Circle Program has closed however, if you know an business in the Katy area interested in becoming a supporter of the the OTHS Orchestra please share this information about our Donor Circle Program. The following link has all the benefits of membership in the program. The Tompkins Orchestra Friends booster club is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. See more information here.

Science Says Lessons Were the Best Thing Your Parents Ever Did For You

If your parents ever submitted you to regular music lesson as a kid, you probably got in a fight with them once or twice about it. Maybe you didn't want to go; maybe you didn't like practicing. But we have some bad news: They were right. It turns out that all those endless major scale exercises and repetitions of "Chopsticks" had some incredible effects on our minds. (Click through to read more)