If you happen to be at Faubion Middle School after hours, you may be confused to hear rock anthems and face-melting electrical instrument solos coming from the portables, courtesy of the Faubion Rock Orchestra.
Kari Zamora and Shelly Duell, both orchestra teachers at Faubion Middle School, head the Faubion Rock Orchestra. Kari is a 7-year Faubion orchestra teacher veteran and Shelly is a second-year newcomer. Since its creation in 2005 and under their direction, the Faubion Middle School Orchestra has received all First Division ratings at every competition.
The rock orchestra is strictly an after-school program for students maintaining an A in orchestra and passing all other classes. When students meet those requirements, they can take a break from the classical music and occasional pop songs they learn in school and lend their talents to rock music staples.
Students have the opportunity to shred on their instruments' electrical counterparts and experience a new way of learning music. Instead of sight-reading the music from the page, they are encouraged to learn by ear to hone their skills as musicians.
I had the pleasure of listening in on a rehearsal for their upcoming performance at MISD Convocation on Friday, August 17 at Prestonwood Baptist Church. The extremely talented kids that make up the rock orchestra seem as though they are having an amazing time performing and moving around while playing. The rock orchestra allows the students to be free from the certain rules orchestra implies and throw them out of the window for a rocking good time. (Be sure to watch the video below to see what I mean!)
To help support the Faubion Rock Orchestra, you can contribute to its annual silent auction on Nov. 30.
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There is so much we teach in orchestra! We have about 250 students in orchestra at Faubion and we incorporate so many things their musical education. This video of our great kids just shows you the tip of the iceberg of how talented all of our orchestra kids are! Our goal is that we create well rounded musicians as well as a "family" atmosphere where kids of all types can feel like they belong and fit in as well as learn and have fun. Major props and kudos to Shelly Duell who arranges all of our rock orchestra music and helps the kids adapt to learning it by ear. It's some pretty tough stuff and they have done so well meeting our high expectations! For more information about the Faubion Orchestra, visit our website at www.faubionorchestra.com BTW--our dinner concert and silent auction is on January 29 this year and we are always looking for corporate sponsors for both food and auction items. Thank you to everyone for their kind words and support! Our Faubion kids are amazing!
I'm a proud Faubion Orchestra parent. I can't say strongly enough how lucky we are to have Mrs. Zamora and Mrs. Duell at Faubion. They are truly inspirational teachers that the kids adore. Both have found a unique balance between being teachers, friendly, fun and motivational. These two women will be remembered long into my daughters' lives. And, there is something awesome about hearing your daughter practice Metallica and Ozzy Osborne music on her violin....just one of the perks.
Thanks for the support, everyone, and thanks to Luke for a great article! I will keep you posted on our future performances! These kids really do rock!
I think I will play that video every morning from here on out. It's better than coffee! Excellent job.
My Face Is Melting!
This is amazing! Love it! Great job Faubian!!
"Got rosin?" WOW! Where do I buy tickets to see these students perform? MISD staff and teachers are in for a real treat to see these kids play as part of Convocation! Loved one of the student's t-shirts that said "got rosin?" on it.
Very cool! What a terrific way to get kids to relate to orchestra! Could we organize an adult group?
How Much Fun Is That!!!!