Seven Lakes High School

Orchestras

Our Program

About Seven Lakes Orchestras

Since the opening of our campus in 2004, the Seven Lakes Orchestras have striven to be a leader in musical performance through innovative programming and performances. We have sought to inspire our audiences and each other through diligent study and performance of the greatest string and symphonic music composed. It is a privilege to continue this legacy of excellence.

The Orchestra Program currently consists of seven String Orchestras and one Symphony Orchestra, with over 260 students enrolled in the program.

Camerata: An entry-level string ensemble
Philharmonia, Arietta, Serenata: A non-varsity string ensemble
Lyrica: An intermediate, non-varsity string ensemble
Cambiata: An advanced non-varsity string ensemble
Sinfonia: An advanced varsity string ensemble
Symphony: A symphonic ensemble (band and strings)

Our Mission

Program Goals

  • Raise performance standards and repertoire difficulty each year
  • Expand student participation in the program
  • Continued effort toward a more unified organization

Student Goals

Students develop skills aligned with Katy ISD’s “Portrait of a Graduate,” including communication, leadership, academic preparedness, citizenship, and lifelong learning.

District Goals

Aligned with Katy ISD’s Five-District Goals, the orchestra promotes:

  • Student success and growth
  • Safe, productive environments
  • Community involvementOperational efficiency
  • Continuous improvement

Achievements

The Seven Lakes Orchestras are committed to excellence, earning top honors in local, regional, and state contests while performing at prestigious venues like Meyerson Symphony Hall, Chicago’s Symphony Center, the Hilbert Hall and the World-Famous Carnegie Hall.

Highlights include:

  • Regular top-ten placement in TMEA’s Honor Orchestra competition.
  • TMEA Honor Full Orchestra in 2016 & 2020.
  • Symphony Strings, TMEA Honor String Orchestra in 2024.
  • Symphony Orchestra wins The American Prize in 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2024.
  • Symphony Orchestra & Sinfonia recognized as Mark of Excellence National Winners by The Foundation for Music Education since 2016.

Community & Excellence

Our students thrive in a focused, constructive environment, embracing service through projects with the Houston Food Bank and Katy ISD’s Santa Cops program.

Give Bach

“Give Bach” is an idea that students can give back to their orchestra, school, and community through music and service. Our goal is to be the premiere school for orchestra in KISD and ultimately, Texas.