About the Orchestras
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Beginner Orchestra:
This group consists of mostly 6th-grade students who have never played a string instrument before or those who have very little string training. 7th and 8th graders can also play in this group.
Students learn the fundamentals of one of the 4 string instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass.
There is minimal time required outside of class. There is an orchestra fee to participate.
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Camerata Orchestra:
The Camerata Orchestra is the intermediate orchestra. This group consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students who have at least one year of playing experience.
Students review fundamentals and prepare for quarterly concerts. They may participate in UIL competition.
There is minimal time required outside of class. There is an orchestra fee to participate.
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Sinfonia Orchestra:
The Sinfonia Orchestra is the lower advanced orchestra. This group consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students who have at least one year of playing experience.
Students review fundamentals and prepare for quarterly concerts. They participate in UIL competition.
There are occasional rehearsals and sectionals required outside of school hours. There is an orchestra fee to participate.
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Chamber Orchestra:
The Chamber Orchestra is the advanced orchestra. This group consists of 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students who have at least two years of playing experience.
Students advance their skills and prepare for quarterly concerts. They participate in UIL competition.
There are occasional rehearsals and sectionals required outside of school hours. There is an orchestra fee to participate.
About the Director
Mrs. Caitlyn Nguyen:
Mrs. Nguyen is an active performer and educator. She is beginning her 11th year of teaching in public schools, and her 4th year in Prosper ISD. Prior to joining Rushing, Mrs. Nguyen taught at Reynolds in Prosper ISD. She taught for five years in Fort Worth, TX at Rosemont Middle School, serving as the head orchestra director, and two years in Houston, TX at MacArthur High School, serving as the assistant band director.
Mrs. Nguyen wrote the string curriculum for Fort Worth ISD in 2019.
Prior to her time in Houston, Mrs. Nguyen was an active private lesson teacher in the metroplex and had 4 students make the TMEA All-State Band.
Mrs. Nguyen earned her BMA and MA from the University of Texas at Arlington and graduated cum laude, and summa cum laude, respectively.
Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Orchestra Director's Association, Tau Beta Sigma, and Sigma Alpha Iota. She lives in Carrollton, TX with her husband Dustin, son Sam, and daughters Emily and Ayla.