OUR MISSION
The Reagan Orchestra Booster Club is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of Orchestra Directors and parent volunteers dedicated to the promotion of the nationally recognized and award winning Ronald Reagan High School Orchestra. The ROBC assists in funding the education, performances, and activities of the Reagan High School Orchestra as well as supporting special events, orchestra clinics, and community outreach.
EVENTS AT A GLANCE
Detailed Calendar is here
Follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram to get the latest event information
Fundraisers and Spirit Nights
- 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month is Bundt Cakes @ Reagan High School in the Breezeway - $6 each
- Check back for our (usually) Wednesday Night Spirit Nights
Concerts and Key Events
- Pre UIL concerts start Feb 20, 2024
- Audition packet April 1, 2024 & Audition window April 29- March 6
- Spring Concert May 13, 2024 starts at 7pm (dress rehearsal starts at 5pm and Uniforms returns immediately following**)
- 6:30pm Orchestra Banquet May 17 at 6:30pm
Summer Europe Tour (Germany, Austria, Czechia)
- Depart June 8, 2024 from Reagan High School
- Return June 15, 2024
Follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram to get the latest event information
Fundraisers and Spirit Nights
- 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month is Bundt Cakes @ Reagan High School in the Breezeway - $6 each
- Check back for our (usually) Wednesday Night Spirit Nights
Concerts and Key Events
- Pre UIL concerts start Feb 20, 2024
- Audition packet April 1, 2024 & Audition window April 29- March 6
- Spring Concert May 13, 2024 starts at 7pm (dress rehearsal starts at 5pm and Uniforms returns immediately following**)
- 6:30pm Orchestra Banquet May 17 at 6:30pm
Summer Europe Tour (Germany, Austria, Czechia)
- Depart June 8, 2024 from Reagan High School
- Return June 15, 2024
ANNOUNCEMENTS
View and download the Welcome Packet forms COMING SOON!
Stay current on Reagan Orchestra news for Reagan Orchestra with Remind 101. For information about general Reagan Orchestra news, text @reaganorch to 81010. For information about your student's group, text the respective code to 81010.
1st- Chamber
2nd- Sinfonia 3rd- Sinfonietta 4th- Philharmonia 6th- Bravura |
@rrcham
@rrsinfonia @rrsnietta @rrphilharm @rrbravura |
ROBC is Actively Seeking Family and Corporate Sponsors
Are you, your family, or your business looking for a way to reinvest in the community? The ROBC Family or Corporate Sponsorships are a great way to invest in the lives of Reagan student musicians. As a partner of the ROBC community, you or your business will receive signage, name recognition, and public thanks at events, on social media, and on the ROBC website. All sponsorships and donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
With your contribution, student string quartets and small ensembles may be available for performances. This provides a performance platform for Reagan student musicians and gives the gift of music to your staff and your clients. This service could also be donated to the community. Events are limited and first come, first serve.
With your contribution, student string quartets and small ensembles may be available for performances. This provides a performance platform for Reagan student musicians and gives the gift of music to your staff and your clients. This service could also be donated to the community. Events are limited and first come, first serve.
2023-2024 SPONSORS
Please support our generous sponsors. We celebrate your contributions publicly or anonymously to the Reagan Orchestra! |
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REAGAN ORCHESTRA NEWS
THE ORCHESTRA CUP
The Reagan High School Orchestra competed in The Orchestra Cup at Tully Hall, Julliard in NYC in March 2022. They won second runner up in a competition of high school orchestras from around the country! While in NYC, students enjoyed several days that included a Broadway musical, the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Times Square, Central Park, and a Dinner Cruise.
REGION 12 SYMPHONY
Congratulations to all who auditioned for Region 12 Symphony including the 23 Reagan Orchestra members who won seats on the orchestra!
Halle Betts
Vivian Bui Alexandra Holeman Emily Le Gina Lee William Nessler Danny Pan Rohit Panekkat Steven Ross Joshua Shapiro Matthew Trevino |
Jesse Vargas
Victoria Wang Luis Ziga III Christina Liu Jayden McCree Juliette Smallze Matthew Issa-Abbas Carson Roach NaYeon Yang Kaleb Comstock Kathleen Pugh Kathryn Horton |
REAGAN ORCHESTRA PERFORMS AT THE TMEA CONVENTION
The Ronald Reagan High School Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Sixto Elizondo, was invited to perform for the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention, held virtually, February 11-13, 2021. Ensembles invited by TMEA demonstrate the highest level of achievement in music education. With hundreds of recorded submissions competing for selection, only three Texas high schools were invited to perform for the statewide convention.
The Reagan Orchestra is currently enjoying student attendance and engagement in the high 90% via Zoom following the onset of the pandemic. Directors Sixto Elizondo and Nathan Sharplin are using recorded videos, interactive virtual instruction, and twice weekly in-person learning to continue the excellence of the Chamber Orchestra. This school year, 44 students were selected for the Region Orchestra and four students were selected for All-State Orchestra. Since the pandemic, the directors have committed to offering various learning, team building, and social activities to maintain student engagement and learning to overcome the challenges presented to schools across our communities. Students can expect first-class instruction using several methods, but also class roundtables and games to strengthen student commitment as well as service events and social activities. Recently, about 130 students participated in a curbside food drive donating hundreds of pounds to a local food pantry. Additionally, students engage in social activities like at-home scavenger hunts and a virtual baking social with the directors.
Throughout its 100-year history, the TMEA Clinic/Convention has offered music educators professional development clinics and inspiring performances by elementary through university ensembles. Most recently, the TMEA convention welcomed over 31,000 attendees, including 11,000 music educators. Hundreds of ensembles applied for selection as a 2021 TMEA Invited Performing Group. Being selected to perform for the largest music educators convention in the nation is an exceptionally high honor.
Reagan Orchestra Director, Sixto Elizondo, said, “I’m really proud of how our kids have handled this new learning environment. They make an effort to meet us with what we are after by coming to class, virtually or in-person, practicing at home, and joining us for group activities. The Chamber Orchestra has done tremendous work to meet the performance expectations of the TMEA convention. We’ve had the goal of being selected for several years now, so we are very honored to have the opportunity to perform for thousands of music educators.”
The Reagan Orchestra is currently enjoying student attendance and engagement in the high 90% via Zoom following the onset of the pandemic. Directors Sixto Elizondo and Nathan Sharplin are using recorded videos, interactive virtual instruction, and twice weekly in-person learning to continue the excellence of the Chamber Orchestra. This school year, 44 students were selected for the Region Orchestra and four students were selected for All-State Orchestra. Since the pandemic, the directors have committed to offering various learning, team building, and social activities to maintain student engagement and learning to overcome the challenges presented to schools across our communities. Students can expect first-class instruction using several methods, but also class roundtables and games to strengthen student commitment as well as service events and social activities. Recently, about 130 students participated in a curbside food drive donating hundreds of pounds to a local food pantry. Additionally, students engage in social activities like at-home scavenger hunts and a virtual baking social with the directors.
Throughout its 100-year history, the TMEA Clinic/Convention has offered music educators professional development clinics and inspiring performances by elementary through university ensembles. Most recently, the TMEA convention welcomed over 31,000 attendees, including 11,000 music educators. Hundreds of ensembles applied for selection as a 2021 TMEA Invited Performing Group. Being selected to perform for the largest music educators convention in the nation is an exceptionally high honor.
Reagan Orchestra Director, Sixto Elizondo, said, “I’m really proud of how our kids have handled this new learning environment. They make an effort to meet us with what we are after by coming to class, virtually or in-person, practicing at home, and joining us for group activities. The Chamber Orchestra has done tremendous work to meet the performance expectations of the TMEA convention. We’ve had the goal of being selected for several years now, so we are very honored to have the opportunity to perform for thousands of music educators.”
REAGAN ORCHESTRA PERFORMS AT PRESTIGIOUS MIDWEST CLINIC
The Ronald Reagan High School Chamber Orchestra performed at the 73rd Annual Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra, and Music Conference on December 18-20, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. The Reagan Chamber Orchestra is only the fourth San Antonio orchestra invited to the conference in the 50 years that orchestras have been included.
More than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 30 countries are expected to attend the Midwest Clinic. The Reagan Chamber Orchestra was selected to perform at this prestigious event through a recorded audition process. Reagan Orchestra Directors, Sixto Elizondo and Nathan Sharplin, submitted a recording in March and were selected from a pool of over 200 candidates from around the nation.
Reagan Orchestra Director, Sixto Elizondo, said, “I am so proud of the students and their accomplishment. It is such an honor to be included in the conference. It is a life changing and memorable experience for our students to perform at this event where they will meet other highly acclaimed musicians and perform on the international stage.”
More than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 30 countries are expected to attend the Midwest Clinic. The Reagan Chamber Orchestra was selected to perform at this prestigious event through a recorded audition process. Reagan Orchestra Directors, Sixto Elizondo and Nathan Sharplin, submitted a recording in March and were selected from a pool of over 200 candidates from around the nation.
Reagan Orchestra Director, Sixto Elizondo, said, “I am so proud of the students and their accomplishment. It is such an honor to be included in the conference. It is a life changing and memorable experience for our students to perform at this event where they will meet other highly acclaimed musicians and perform on the international stage.”
A REAGAN ORCHESTRA YEAR IN REVIEW
The Reagan Orchestra is a nationally-recognized, award-winning program for a reason. An average four-year Chamber Orchestra member who participated in the Region process and a musical will spend…
-1,365 hours or 57 days or 2 months making music
-60 hours for Region sectional rehearsals
-70 hours of Chamber sectional rehearsals
-112 hours of orchestra concerts
-180 hours of Symphony Orchestra rehearsals
-120 hours of musical rehearsals
-48 hours of musical performances
-208 hours of private lessons
-567 hours of class time rehearsals (as a 4-yr senior member)
The Reagan Orchestra is the largest and most successful Orchestra Program in NEISD.
Performances
Performances are a great time for Directors and students to showcase their hard work and prepare for district and region auditions and competitions. Every performance is always flawless and breathtaking as the audience watches in awe at the amazing talent of this program. The Reagan Orchestra is also an important asset to the Fine Arts program by performing together as a Symphony Orchestra and by performing with choir, band, and theater in the Reagan Musical. The Reagan Orchestra also performs via community outreach inviting senior citizens to the concerts and performing for the public at other venues.
-Four orchestra concerts in the Fine Arts Auditorium attended by family, friends, and the community including Independence Hill and Independence Village residents.
-Young People’s Concert attended by over 1,300 students
-Orchestra holiday performance in partnership with Reagan Choir and Reagan Band
-Evening with Strings NEISD performance alongside the Reagan and Lee clusters
-Five orchestral musical performances with Reagan High School Theater Department
Activities
There is no doubt that the Directors and students consider the orchestra program a second family. Activities are important to build a cohesive team in performance and competitions, but also to build those lifelong memories and relationships.
-Summer Camp
-Lifetime Lock-In Team Building Event
-Big and Little Reveal Party
-Halloween Party
-Holiday Party
-Game Night
-Orchestra Banquet
-Senior Dinner
-1,365 hours or 57 days or 2 months making music
-60 hours for Region sectional rehearsals
-70 hours of Chamber sectional rehearsals
-112 hours of orchestra concerts
-180 hours of Symphony Orchestra rehearsals
-120 hours of musical rehearsals
-48 hours of musical performances
-208 hours of private lessons
-567 hours of class time rehearsals (as a 4-yr senior member)
The Reagan Orchestra is the largest and most successful Orchestra Program in NEISD.
Performances
Performances are a great time for Directors and students to showcase their hard work and prepare for district and region auditions and competitions. Every performance is always flawless and breathtaking as the audience watches in awe at the amazing talent of this program. The Reagan Orchestra is also an important asset to the Fine Arts program by performing together as a Symphony Orchestra and by performing with choir, band, and theater in the Reagan Musical. The Reagan Orchestra also performs via community outreach inviting senior citizens to the concerts and performing for the public at other venues.
-Four orchestra concerts in the Fine Arts Auditorium attended by family, friends, and the community including Independence Hill and Independence Village residents.
-Young People’s Concert attended by over 1,300 students
-Orchestra holiday performance in partnership with Reagan Choir and Reagan Band
-Evening with Strings NEISD performance alongside the Reagan and Lee clusters
-Five orchestral musical performances with Reagan High School Theater Department
Activities
There is no doubt that the Directors and students consider the orchestra program a second family. Activities are important to build a cohesive team in performance and competitions, but also to build those lifelong memories and relationships.
-Summer Camp
-Lifetime Lock-In Team Building Event
-Big and Little Reveal Party
-Halloween Party
-Holiday Party
-Game Night
-Orchestra Banquet
-Senior Dinner
A typical year includes a variety of opportunities and experiences for students and directors. Pictured above are a 1) Summer Camp team building activity, 2) Hosting 1,300 elementary students from the Reagan Cluster for the Young People's Concert, 3) Preparing for UIL contest, 4) UIL Sweepstakes for all seven orchestras, 5) Reagan Orchestra performing in a Reagan musical and 6) Senior Orchestra students.
RONALD REAGAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOSTS YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONCERT ANNUALLY
The Ronald Reagan High School Symphony Orchestra hosts the Reagan Elementary School Cluster of seven schools and 1300 students for the Young People’s Concert every year. The Elementary Schools include Canyon Ridge, Hardy Oak, Las Lomas, Stone Oak, Tuscany Heights, Vineyard Ranch, and Wilderness Oak.
Reagan launched the Young People’s Concert in 2000 as part of a Northeast ISD initiative to provide an opportunity for elementary students in each cluster to hear a live performance of Symphonic music. Reagan Director of Orchestras, Sixto Elizondo, says, “An event like this can be a major motivating factor for an aspiring young musician. As part of our presentation, we encourage all students to pursue a form of extra-curricular activity because involvement in such activities provides students opportunities to create critical outlets for self-expression and cultivates environments to develop life skills like social interactions and self-discipline.” Not only did Reagan cluster students attend the concert, but a former student of Mr. Elizondo’s was in the audience as music teacher himself. Wilderness Oak Music Teacher, Jose Benites, attributes much of his desire to pursue a musical career to Mr. Elizondo. “Music is a way to be creative and expressive,” said Benites, “the music program here at NEISD and teachers like Mr. Elizondo, make music so much fun and allow students to express themselves through their instruments or vocals.”
Under a theme, the Symphony Orchestra typically plays four pieces for the young audience. The Symphony Orchestra consists of a 40-member string section complimented by about 20 band members playing 14 instruments. Each of the compositions is inspired by discovery or exploration of new and exciting places and include music from well-known movies and accomplished composers.
Mr. Elizondo adds, “The study of music can have multiple positive influences on a student’s success because it encompasses physical skills, aural training, and critical thinking. It is an honor to introduce this music to the young students in our cluster.”
The Ronald Reagan High School Symphony Orchestra hosts the Reagan Elementary School Cluster of seven schools and 1300 students for the Young People’s Concert every year. The Elementary Schools include Canyon Ridge, Hardy Oak, Las Lomas, Stone Oak, Tuscany Heights, Vineyard Ranch, and Wilderness Oak.
Reagan launched the Young People’s Concert in 2000 as part of a Northeast ISD initiative to provide an opportunity for elementary students in each cluster to hear a live performance of Symphonic music. Reagan Director of Orchestras, Sixto Elizondo, says, “An event like this can be a major motivating factor for an aspiring young musician. As part of our presentation, we encourage all students to pursue a form of extra-curricular activity because involvement in such activities provides students opportunities to create critical outlets for self-expression and cultivates environments to develop life skills like social interactions and self-discipline.” Not only did Reagan cluster students attend the concert, but a former student of Mr. Elizondo’s was in the audience as music teacher himself. Wilderness Oak Music Teacher, Jose Benites, attributes much of his desire to pursue a musical career to Mr. Elizondo. “Music is a way to be creative and expressive,” said Benites, “the music program here at NEISD and teachers like Mr. Elizondo, make music so much fun and allow students to express themselves through their instruments or vocals.”
Under a theme, the Symphony Orchestra typically plays four pieces for the young audience. The Symphony Orchestra consists of a 40-member string section complimented by about 20 band members playing 14 instruments. Each of the compositions is inspired by discovery or exploration of new and exciting places and include music from well-known movies and accomplished composers.
Mr. Elizondo adds, “The study of music can have multiple positive influences on a student’s success because it encompasses physical skills, aural training, and critical thinking. It is an honor to introduce this music to the young students in our cluster.”
REAGAN ORCHESTRA WINS HONORABLE MENTION IN AMERICAN PRIZE
The Reagan High School Chamber Orchestra won Honorable Mention in the American Prize, an annual national competition designed to recognize and reward the very best of performing arts in the US. The Reagan Orchestra competed nationally via recorded orchestral performance in the High School Orchestra Division. Criteria for winners are wide ranging and include musicality, rhythmic incisiveness, tone quality, intonation, among others. An Honorable Mention in the company of the finalist programs and Directors is indeed an honor. Congratulations to Mr. Sixto Elizondo, Mr. Nathan Sharplin, and the Chamber Orchestra!
The Reagan High School Chamber Orchestra won Honorable Mention in the American Prize, an annual national competition designed to recognize and reward the very best of performing arts in the US. The Reagan Orchestra competed nationally via recorded orchestral performance in the High School Orchestra Division. Criteria for winners are wide ranging and include musicality, rhythmic incisiveness, tone quality, intonation, among others. An Honorable Mention in the company of the finalist programs and Directors is indeed an honor. Congratulations to Mr. Sixto Elizondo, Mr. Nathan Sharplin, and the Chamber Orchestra!
The Reagan Orchestra Booster Club is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. |
For questions regarding your active student in the program, please reach out to your teacher. Contact the ROBC for inquiries on how to join us, how to sponsor or other ROBC questions.
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