While some schools may only offer band and choir for the musically inclined, Bryan High also has the option of orchestra. This year, orchestra is twenty-eight members strong and takes care of the students’ fine arts credit.

Although orchestra teacher John Lemons has been with BISD for five years, this is his first year with high school students.

For Lemons here is a definite difference between teaching middle school students and high school students.

“High school students show more maturity,” Lemons said. “Maturity comes with age. At SFA I had twenty-five different middle-schoolers with twenty-five different personalities. Middle school students are at a different maturity level than high school students; [in high school,] they’ve learned how to play as a team.”

Lemons says that there’s more to teaching orchestra than just conducting.

“Seeing the end result, the performances, the concerts, and working with the kids is my favorite parts of orchestra,” Lemons said.

Senior Michael Mower says he’s excited to have Mr. Lemons as the new orchestra teacher.

“He focuses on each group individually, and when we come together we sound good,” Mower said.

After playing the bass for six years, Mower enjoys the times when he is able to work on his music in his own time.

“My favorite part would probably be playing by myself and doing solos because it gives me time to derive my actual skills, rather than having concert pieces to do,” Mower said.

Inspiration and motivation are both big reasons Mower joined orchestra.

“I wanted to follow in the steps of my brother; he was an all state bass player,” Mower said.

Sophomore Jonathan Pequeno says his favorite part of orchestra would be practicing his violin, which he’s been playing for four years.

“[I like] practicing best because it’s fun,” Pequeno said. “We play hard music like Momentum.”

Teachers, students and community members are encouraged to see the orchestra perform during one of their three concerts. The next concert is scheduled for October 24th.