Dowell Orchestra

Come join us in our awarding winning Dowell MS Orchestra! No experienced is required, and we will find the instrument that is perfect for you.

For 5th graders joining orchestra at Dowell next year, here’s a step by step on how to join:

1. Select Orchestra as your #1 Elective choice on your choice cards for Middle School!

1. Mark Friday, April 10th from 5-7pm on your calendars for Orchestra Instrument Selection Night. This is where you get to choose your favorite instrument, either Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass!

1. Stay tuned to emails from Mr. Graber about getting ready for next year!

Please contact Mr. Graber at mgraber@mckinneyisd.net for more information!

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Honors Orchestra on being selected as a Mark of Excellence Commended Winner by The Foundation for Music Education/National Orchestra Honors Project!

The Mark of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievement in performance by high school and middle school bands, choirs, and orchestras. The project gathers entries from throughout the United States and provides valuable feedback for all entrants. A unique competitive environment is created which allows ensembles to compare their performance quality to other outstanding groups from across the country.

This is the 3rd year in a row the Dowell Honors Orchestra has received this award. We are so proud of all of our talented students for this great achievement!

Congratulations to the 23-24 Honors Orchestra on being selected as a Mark of Excellence Commended Winner by The Foundation for Music Education/National Orchestra Honors Project!

The Mark of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievement in performance by high school and middle school bands, choirs, and orchestras. The project gathers entries from throughout the United States and provides valuable feedback for all entrants. A unique competitive environment is created which allows ensembles to compare their performance quality to other outstanding groups from across the country.

This is the 2nd year in a row the Dowell Honors Orchestra has received this award. We are so proud of all of our talented students for this great achievement!

Welcome to the 24-25 School Year! We are so excited to meet all of our wonderful beginners this year, and can’t wait to teach them all we can on the instruments they have chosen!

This is a quick update for the beginning of the year for orchestra.

1.  Supplies for Orchestra

• Beginner Students – Instrument rentals have already been delivered to the school. I’ve sent out emails to those who have not secured an instrument. If you did not receive an email, then you’re all ready for the first day of school! If you haven’t already secured an instrument please do this now! 

• We provide binders with all your needed materials on the first day of school, so you do not need to purchase any additional school supplies for orchestra. 

2.  Key Dates for Orchestra in August:

• 6th grade Lion Pride Camp Tuesday, August 6th from 3:00-5:00pm
• Meet the Teacher Night (7th and 8th Grade): Tuesday, August 6th from 5:30-7pm 

3. Orchestra Parent Meeting: Thursday, August 15th at 6:30pm in the DMS Cafeteria

See you all soon!

Mr. Graber and Mr. Bryan

Congratulations to the 22-23 Honors Orchestra on being selected as a Mark of Excellence Commended Winner by the National Foundation for Music Education!

The Mark of Excellence project seeks to recognize and award outstanding achievement in performance by high school and middle school bands, choirs, and orchestras. The project gathers entries from throughout the United States and provides valuable feedback for all entrants. A unique competitive environment is created which allows ensembles to compare their performance quality to other outstanding groups from across the country.

We are so proud of all of our talented students for this great achievement!