About the Orchestra
The Berry Orchestra consists of violins, violas, cellos, basses, and harp. Sixth grade students start in Beginning Orchestra, unless they have previous string playing experience. Intermediate Orchestra consists of 7th grade students who are in their second year of playing. Advanced Orchestra is mostly 8th graders, but occasionally 7th grade students of exceptional talent are accepted.
All orchestra classes meet daily for 50 minutes within the school day. Students are expected to provide their own instrument, though some large instruments are owned by the school and may be checked out for the year. We learn from several books in addition to published orchestra music.
Since Berry Middle School opened, the Orchestra has had a long tradition of excellence. Continuing success at the Texas UIL competition and private festivals show the high caliber of learning taking place in the classroom. Orchestra is about making music and friends while having fun in the process.
"Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart." ~ Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
All orchestra classes meet daily for 50 minutes within the school day. Students are expected to provide their own instrument, though some large instruments are owned by the school and may be checked out for the year. We learn from several books in addition to published orchestra music.
Since Berry Middle School opened, the Orchestra has had a long tradition of excellence. Continuing success at the Texas UIL competition and private festivals show the high caliber of learning taking place in the classroom. Orchestra is about making music and friends while having fun in the process.
"Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart." ~ Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
About Mrs. Algood
This is Mrs. Algood's tenth year teaching orchestra, nine of which have been at Berry. She believes that the orchestra has something to offer everyone - it is a school family, a place to belong, and a time to spend with other people who have similar interests. Orchestra kids are the best!
Mrs. Algood holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Centenary College of Louisiana and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education through Texas A&M Commerce. She is a bass player, though started her string life as a violinist. She is proficient in violin, viola, cello, bass, and flute. While attending North Mesquite High School, Mrs. Algood was consistently a member of the All-City and All-Region Orchestras. She also made Texas All-State in 2000. She has studied with Peter Hass, Julia Thorn, Eric McIntyre, Todd Gabriel, and Thomas Stone. In addition to teaching at Berry, Mrs. Algood has a private bass studio and has performed with the Longview Symphony, Sherman Symphony, and the Shreveport Symphony.
She has recently started writing string orchestra music for her orchestras. The combined Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras premiered Dark Moon in 2014 at the Spring Concert. Otrera premiered at Horn High School's Fall Concert on October 8, 2015.
Even though teaching keeps her busy, family is extremely important. Mrs. Algood loves spending time with her husband Stephen, and their beautiful tthree year old daughter Alura. If there is any time left over in the day, you can usually find Mrs. Algood in her craft room making cards or working on a scrapbook.
Mrs. Algood holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Centenary College of Louisiana and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education through Texas A&M Commerce. She is a bass player, though started her string life as a violinist. She is proficient in violin, viola, cello, bass, and flute. While attending North Mesquite High School, Mrs. Algood was consistently a member of the All-City and All-Region Orchestras. She also made Texas All-State in 2000. She has studied with Peter Hass, Julia Thorn, Eric McIntyre, Todd Gabriel, and Thomas Stone. In addition to teaching at Berry, Mrs. Algood has a private bass studio and has performed with the Longview Symphony, Sherman Symphony, and the Shreveport Symphony.
She has recently started writing string orchestra music for her orchestras. The combined Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras premiered Dark Moon in 2014 at the Spring Concert. Otrera premiered at Horn High School's Fall Concert on October 8, 2015.
Even though teaching keeps her busy, family is extremely important. Mrs. Algood loves spending time with her husband Stephen, and their beautiful tthree year old daughter Alura. If there is any time left over in the day, you can usually find Mrs. Algood in her craft room making cards or working on a scrapbook.