The Clear Brook Orchestra program aims to create an optimal environment for the development of musical skill and the nurturing of artistic passion. Under Fernando Medina’s direction, students with instrumental experience are given the opportunity to expand their musical borders both as an individual and as a member of an orchestra. Together, you will learn pieces that challenge your own skillset and hone the perspective of being one part of a larger whole. Within the program, those wishing for personal aid have easy access to an array of seasoned musicians for private tutoring. Challenging annual events including UIL Solo and Ensemble, and TMEA All-Region and All-State are heavily encouraged and supported. Seasonal concerts alongside a multitude of social events provide a busy schedule full of not only musical growth but the development of friendships and comradery within a unique community.
Fernando Medina
In January 1982, at the age of twelve, Mr. Medina began his violin studies with his uncle Jaime Medina at the San Juan School of Music; the following year, he continued his studies with José Figueroa at the Conservatory’s Preparatory School. In 1990, the year of his graduation from the Conservatory, he competed and obtained the position of principal second violin of the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, where he worked for nine years. He obtained his master’s degree in the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York with Daniel Phillips where he also studied conducting and composition. His experiences as soloist include a tour performing Pablo Sarasate's Gypsy Airs in various locations in Puerto Rico, Connecticut, and the Dominican Republic. He has been concertmaster of several orchestras on the island including the Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra, which he had also conducted. Medina was a member of two professional string quartets and a trio. In this phase, he performed in Venezuela, Aruba, St. Thomas, and Puerto Rico. He is currently the concertmaster of the Clear Lake Symphony Orchestra. Medina is also a composer and arranger. His composition “Netiquette” was awarded first place in the Puerto Rican “Danza” Contest in 2006. Alfred Music has just published his full orchestra arrangement of “Virgilia”. As a pedagogue, Medina worked at the San Juan School of Music for twenty years. In addition, he taught violin at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. In the past, some of his former violin students have been selected for auditions at Rice University, Julliard’s prep school, Chicago School of the Arts, and Lynn University in Florida. Medina served as Academic Coordinator and Director of the Puerto Rican Youth Symphony Orchestra “Programa 100x35” before relocating to Texas where he now will proudly serve at Clear Brook High School.
This orchestra will provide students an opportunity to develop more advanced techniques, improve vibrato, tone quality, use of various bowing styles, and improve music reading skills. This is a competing orchestra at the sub non-varsity level provided the class has met all requirements and preparation for the competing event at the director's discretion. Private lessons are encouraged for all students. Violins and violas are expected to have a working knowledge of all finger patterns and some experience playing in 3rd position. Cellos are expected to have a working knowledge of finger patterns, extensions, and 1st through 4th positions. Basses are expected to have a working knowledge of finger patterns, pivots, and shifts through third position. All students should know one octave scales through 3 sharps and 1 flat.
This orchestra will provide students an opportunity to perform at a higher level while continuing to develop more upper position techniques, improve vibrato, tone quality, use of various bowing styles, and improve music reading skills. This is a competing orchestra at the sub-non varsity level. Students must maintain academic eligibility to remain in this class. Participation in private lessons and solo/ensemble are strongly encouraged. Violins are expected to have a working knowledge of finger patterns in 1st and 3rd position, with some knowledge of 5th position. Violas should feel comfortable with all finger patterns, half position, and 3rd position. Cellos should be comfortable using extensions in 1st through 4th position, and some experience going up to the octave harmonic. Basses should feel comfortable playing across all 4 strings in 1st through 3rd position. All students should know 2 octave scales through 3 sharps and 2 flats and demonstrate vsibrato with all 4 fingers.
This orchestra will provide students an opportunity to perform at an advanced level. Students must demonstrate proficiency in the upper positions, use of vibrato, characteristic tone quality, use of proper bowing style, and excellent sight-reading skills. This is a competing orchestra at the non-varsity level. Students must maintain academic eligibility to remain in this class. Participation in private lessons, solo/ensemble, and region orchestra are strongly encouraged and necessary to progress. Members of this orchestra will participate in full orchestra in both the fall and spring semester and must be available for once a week after- school rehearsals throughout the school year. Violins and violas are expected to be able to play fluidly through 5th position, and up to 7th position. Cellos must have knowledge of thumb position in D major. Basses must be able to play fluidly in neck and thumb position. All students should know 3 octave scales in major keys through 3 sharps and 2 flats. All students must be able to demonstrate beautiful vibrato with all four fingers.
This orchestra will provide students an opportunity to perform at the most advanced and competitive level. This orchestra performs professional level repertoire, meaning students must demonstrate mastery of all upper positions, use of vibrato, characteristic tone quality, use of proper bowing style, and superior sight-reading skills. This is a competing orchestra at the varsity level. Students must maintain academic eligibility to remain in this class. Participation in private lessons, solo/ensemble, and region orchestra are required to maintain placement in this class. This class will participate in full orchestra in both the fall and spring semester and must be available for once a week after-school rehearsals throughout the school year. In addition, this ensemble is showcased throughout the year in many public settings and represents our school program throughout our community. Violins and Violas must have complete mastery of positions up through 7th position. Cellos and basses must be able to play fluidly in thumb position. All students should be able to play 3 octave major scales and minor scales through 4 sharps and 3 flats.
The Orchestra Council is a group of orchestra students who dedicate their time and passion by helping the program. The council members organize events to bring all members together; they aim to foster a sense of community both within the orchestra and with others as well. The members work hard to plan for social events, activities for feeder schools, the end-of-year banquet, and many other parts of the exciting orchestra experience.
| President | Claudia Palacios |
| Vice President | Chloe Mamitag |
| Secretary | Rebecca Taylor |
| Historian | Lucian Hales |
| Historian | Meiry Quintana |
| Social Coordinator | Beenish Asif |
| Web Master/Librarian | Anthony Le |