About the Newman Smith High School Orchestra

• To develop in each student an appreciation of the art of music as part of general culture
• To teach techniques of orchestral music expression
• To discover and develop the talents of students in the field of orchestral music
• To develop knowledge and skills in listening to, reading, and performing orchestral music

Directors
 

Lamar Smith
Director of Orchestras
smithla@cfbisd.edu
(972) 968-5324

Jessica Milbrandt
Associate Director of Orchestras
milbrandtj@cfbisd.edu
(972) 968-5323

 

NSHS Orchestra Cluster Directors
 

Lamar Smith
Newman Smith High School Cluster Leader

Jessica Milbrandt
Newman Smith High School

Michelle Kong
Dan F. Long Middle School

Carissa Simpson
Dan F. Long Middle School

Bradley Ballard
DeWitt Perry Middle School

Kelly Mangel
DeWitt Perry Middle School

Michelle Gauthier
Ted Polk Middle School

Aaron Gemoets
Ted Polk Middle School
 

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2011-2012 Student Officers
 

President
Raquel Rodriguez

Vice President
Paige Doyle

Secretary
Morgan Pulliam

Senior Representative
Maria Candido

Historians
Amina Meyer
Katrina Sidwell
Oscar Roel

Publicists
Echo Wu
Peri Hornquist
Victoria Lasater
 

Logistics Directors
Sal Herran
Kiruka Nnabuaku

Head Librarian
Jennifer Tran

Assistant Librarians
Lily Alarcon
Felipe Tirado
Katie Swanson
Michelle Johnson

Important Information

 Please read the 2011-2012 NSHS Orchestra Handbook

What are Mr. Smith's Pet Peeves?

1. Using "I didn't know" as an excuse for not being somewhere or doing something you have committed to do. Consult your calendar, ask a friend, or ask me!
2. Acting less intelligent than you actually are in an attempt to gain fame or the attention of someone you have a crush on.
3. Throwing stuff in the orchestra room.
4. Squealing and screaming unnecessarily in the orchestra room. This includes boys!
5. Not being prepared for class. Your instrument, music, and pencil are necessary EVERY DAY.
6. Claiming to be lazy or apathetic because it seems cool. Always give all you can give.
7. Crowding around the door right before the bell rings.  Are you really that desperate to get to Algebra?
8. People who feel like they have to give hugs to their BFF at the beginning and end of every class, even if they just saw each other two periods ago.  Don't act like a middle schooler!  Hugs are cool, so keep them in control.
9. Bad punctuation and grammar.
10. Dishonesty.
11. Orchestra members that do not make freshmen feel welcome.

What are Mrs. Milbrandt's Pet Peeves?

1. Talking and/or plucking while we are tuning or while a director is talking 
2. Sitting incorrectly or using incorrect position/technique while playing
3. Leaving your instrument at school overnight, and especially over the weekend
4. Not coming to social events because you don't have a ride. Tell a director or an officer, and we will help you find a ride.
5. Pulling the "I didn't know" card… If you make a mistake, just own it!  You'll learn more this way!

What is the "No Pass, No Play" rule?

This rule is a UIL state-wide rule.  The rule is that unless a student is passing, they are not allowed to compete in UIL Sanctioned Events.  Orchestra UIL Sanctioned events include Solo and Ensemble Contest, and UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest.  Regardless of when these events occur within the school year, you must be passing ALL of your classes (both academic and non-academic) during the corresponding six/nine weeks.  If you are not passing, you CANNOT participate with us.  Those students will be given an alternate assignment to complete.  If you are planning on going on TRIP with us in the spring, and you are deemed ineligible due to failing, you will not be permitted to go on TRIP (and NO MONEY WILL BE REFUNDED).  Regular concerts do not fall under the category of a UIL Sanctioned Event, so regardless of eligibility - EVERYONE participates in concerts.