The Crockett Middle School Orchestra program strives to empower students through the development of fundamental life skills and a lifelong appreciation for the fine arts. Students will rehearse a diverse and engaging selection of musical works, increasing their enjoyment and understanding of music. In addition, students will cultivate technical accuracy, physical coordination, analytical and multitasking skills, time management, teamwork, leadership, and self-directed learning.

Students at every skill level are welcome to join one of the three orchestras at Crockett. The String Orchestra is comprised of mostly 6th grade students. This class consists of first and second year players. This is the most important year for orchestra because 80 to 90% of the fundamental skills needed to successfully play the instrument are taught and developed through the course of the year. The Concert Orchestra is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students. The focus of the Concert Orchestra is to develop skills and fundamentals that transfer to the performance of more advanced musical literature. The Honors Orchestra is comprised of 7th and 8th grade students. This orchestra is the official representative of the Crockett Orchestra program and performs often throughout the year for school and community events. The focus of the Honors Orchestra is to rehearse, perfect, and perform musical literature of a high level while still building and maintaining skills and fundamentals that lead to superior individual musicianship.

Crockett Orchestra students may participate in many events throughout the year, including after-school rehearsals with guest clinicians, a Fall Concert, a Winter Concert, UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, Greater Southwest Music Festival, and a Spring Concert. Many orchestra students also represent Crockett through their participation in private lessons, TMEA All-Region Orchestra, UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest, Greater Southwest Music Festival Solo/Ensemble Contest, and the Amarillo Youth Orchestras.

Director Noah Littlejohn
An Amarillo native, Mr. Littlejohn began playing cello in the fifth grade at Belmar Elementary, performing in the Crockett Middle School and Amarillo High School Orchestras. He is thrilled to be back at Crockett teaching in the program where he developed as a student musician. Mr. Littlejohn holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education from West Texas A&M University and is completing a Master’s degree in cello performance at WTAMU.