Palo Duro High School Orchestra

Prerequisite:  Participation in Middle School Orchestra class or by audition.

Major emphasis is on the continued development of technical skills and musical knowledge through the preparation of music for group and solo performance on string instruments. Every effort is made to maintain a well-balanced instrumentation. Students should be prepared to spend additional time outside of the regular classroom period on practice and performance. Concert groups may be determined by audition.  Fees may be required for uniform and school instrument use as well as other materials and activities such as rosin, strings, travel shirts, and/or out-of-town travel. Orchestra is a yearlong course.

Director Melinda Koster

Melinda Koster started out as a violin student in the Amarillo Independent School District’s orchestra program (Ridgecrest, Bonham, and Amarillo High).  In 1982 she earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University, studying with Daniel Sternberg, Harry Lantz, Roy Mann, Daniel Guilet, and Carol Lieberman.  She earned a Master of Arts in Viola Performance in 1989 from West Texas State University, studying with Ted Allred and Amy Brandfonbrener.  Mrs. Koster still enjoys performing with various groups in the area such as Chamber Music Amarillo and Amarillo Opera and with the Amarillo Symphony where she is presently assistant principal viola.  This is her 28th year with the district.

melinda.koster@amaisd.org