Award-winning middle school orchestra hosts final concert
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Hornedo Middle School Philharmonic Orchestra has been lining up awards for several decades and this year they got to perform alongside a world-renowned trio on the big stage. Now, they want to showcase everything they know to the community with a free concert.
Program Director Ray Arreola has been intertwined with the orchestra since his school days.
He used to be a part of the orchestra as a student before, years later, returning as the program director.
“Being in an orchestra was part of my identity. It was where I found my family at school. It was where I found my friends. It’s where I found the stress-relieving components of school,” said Arreola.
The program has earned an extensive list of awards just in this school year.
They have won awards from the University Interscholastic League and the Hanks Jazz Festival where they competed against high schools and took the win.
In February of 2024, Arreola reached out to a world-renowned trio Simply Three that often performs with different schools.
Within several months, the Hornedo Orchestra was ready to perform on the big stage of Abraham Chavez Theatre alongside Simply Three.
“It was a fun experience. I mean, it was big. I’ve never seen so many people in the in the crowd,” said Justus Williams, one of the students.
Arreola highlighted the importance of having a mentor when playing music. He now gets to work alongside former teacher Ms. Isaac.
“I hope the kids can find a mentor and one day they might be a professional musician. I might be playing on stage with them in the symphony. You never know, he said.
The program is hosting a final concert on Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m. at Coronado High School that is open to the community.
They will be featuring pop songs, some of them from movies and TV shows.
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