About

CONROE

TIGER

ORCHESTRA

A Little About CTO...

Conroe Tiger Orchestra is dedicated to musical excellence. The program is designed to give students an enriching and practical music education through performance on a standard orchestral string or Mariachi instrument. We foster and promote musical growth and artistry through active participation in the ensemble setting, and through individual practice and preparation outside of class.

With a passion for performance, our orchestra participates in various competitions and community events, earning accolades for their hard work and dedication. We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive environment where students can grow as musicians and individuals. Join us in celebrating the artistry and commitment of the Conroe Tiger Orchestra!

Season Schedule

24-25

FALL CONCERT

Oct. 10, 2024

7:00pm

CHS Cafe

HOLLY JOLLY JINGLE

Dec. 5, 2024

7:00pm

Cynthia Woods Pavillion

WINTER CONCERT

Dec. 12, 2024

7:00pm

CHS Cafe

UIL SHOWCASE CONCERT

Feb. 11, 2025

7:00pm

First Methodist Conroe

(tentatively)

SPRING POPS

CONCERT

May 8, 2025

7:00pm

CHS Cafe

WATCH PERFORMANCES LIVE

WATCH PAST PERFORMANCES

MEET THE ORCHESTRAS

Conroe Tiger Orchestra consists of five orchestras, a quintet, and the Mariachi.

Lets get to know our groups!

CHAMBER

Varsity Orchestra

Directed by Mr. Hensley

The Chamber Orchestra is a competitive ensemble at the 6A Varsity level, performing a wide variety of concerts on and off campus throughout the year. The Varsity Orchestra performs music at the highest level and students must demonstrate sufficient skill to audition into the ensemble. Participation in private lessons, Solo & Ensembles, & All-Region Orchestra are strongly encouraged. Students must maintain Academic Eligibility and must attend all required rehearsals, sectionals, and performances to remain in this class.

MARIACHI

Los Tigres de Conroe

Directed by Ms. Kelley

The CHS Mariachi, Los Tigres, is a competitive medium ensemble at the 6A Varsity level. Students explore a variety of traditional Mariachi styles and perform in traditional trajes de charro. Students must have at least 2 years of consecutive experience playing Violin, Viola, Vihuela, Guitar, Guitarron, Harp, or Trumpet and pass a successful audition into the program. Students must maintain Academic Eligibility and must attend all required rehearsals, sectionals, and performances to remain in this class.

SYMPHONIC

Junior Varsity Orchestra

Directed by Ms. Kelley

The Symphonic Orchestra is a competitive ensemble at the 6A Non-Varsity level, performing regular concerts throughout the year. Students perform music at the intermediate-advanced level and must demonstrate sufficient skill to audition into the ensemble. Participation in private lessons and CISD Honor Orchestra, Solo & Ensembles, or Region Orchestra, are strongly encouraged. Students must maintain Academic Eligibility and must attend all required rehearsals, sectionals, and performances to remain in this class.

CAMERATA

Sub Non-Varsity A Orchestra

Directed by Mr. Hensley

The Camerata is a competitive ensemble at the 6A Sub-NV level, performing regular concerts throughout the year. Mostly freshmen, students in Camerata work to refine intermediate skills using a wide range of musical styles and techniques. Participation in private lessons, CISD Honor Orchestra, or UIL Solo & Ensemble contest are strongly encouraged. Students must maintain Academic Eligibility and must attend all required rehearsals, sectionals, and performances to remain in this class.

PHILHARMONIC

Sub Non-Varsity B Orchestra

Directed by Ms. Kelly

The Philharmonic Orchestra is a non-competitive orchestra at the 6A SNV level and performs at regular concerts throughout the year. Students build intermediate skills using a wide range of music and styles, focusing on developing confidence and fundamentals to prepare students for advancement. Sectionals are not required and after-school commitments are low. Students must maintain sufficient skill to remain in the ensemble.

SINFONIETTA

Non-Competing Orchestra

Directed by Ms. Kelly

The Sinfonietta is a mostly-freshman, non competitive ensemble at the 6A SNV level focused on the development of beginner-to-intermediate skills. Students perform at regular concerts throughout the year using a variety of music, styles, and techniques with the goal of helping students to develop skills which would allow them to advance. There are no sectionals and after-school commitments are low. Students must meet benchmark standards to remain in the class or to advance.

QUINTET

Ensemble

Self Led

The Quintet is an ensemble made of our top students. It is comprised of two violinists, a violist, a cellist, and a bassist. They perform music at the highest level at a wide variety of concerts on and off campus throughout the year. Students must demonstrate sufficient skill to audition into the ensemble. Students must maintain Academic Eligibility and must attend all required rehearsals and performances to remain in this ensemble.

SOLOS & ENSEMBLES

Ensembles

Mostly Self Led

Every year students in the top orchestras get to form into smaller ensembles or solo to compete in the UIL Solo & Ensembles competition. Students must demonstrate sufficient skill to be invited to participate. Students must maintain Academic Eligibility, must commit to practice, and attend all required rehearsals to participate.

MEET THE DIRECTORS

JUSTIN M. HENSLEY, MMEd.

DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRAS

A native of North Carolina, Mr. Hensley is in his second year as the Director of Orchestras at Conroe High school, overseeing the string program and the Mariachi. He leads the Chamber Orchestra and Camerata, co-teaches the other ensembles, and teaches AP Music Theory. Mr. Hensley also leads the Conroe High School Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the Band Department, and conducts the pit orchestra for the musical in the Spring. He is an avid cook who probably drinks too much coffee, loves to read, enjoys video games, and has two rescue dogs named Tank and Bailee.

Mr. Hensley completed his undergraduate degree at East Tennessee State University where he studied Music Education and Composition, performing regularly with the Johnson City Symphony on String Bass and French Horn. He holds a Masters in Music Education from Appalachian State University and has pursued Doctor of Musical Arts studies in Conducting at the University of Houston. Mr. Hensley is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, and Pi Kappa Lambda National Honor Society for Music.

Rm 1404-G

JHensely@ConroeISD.net

PATRICIA KELLEY, MMEd.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRAS

Patricia Kelley is a talented musician and educator, with a strong background in both music and special education. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from Stephen F. Austin State University, where she developed a deep passion for the intersection of music and learning.

From a young age, Patricia was inspired by her family’s musical influences. As a child, she loved watching her grandmother play the piano and admired her older siblings as they practiced their instruments. This early exposure to music ignited her own passion, and she began playing the violin in elementary school. Over the years, Patricia honed her skills, continuing to play the violin throughout her education and into graduate school.

During her time in graduate school, Patricia's focus expanded beyond performance to the therapeutic and educational potential of music. She became particularly interested in how music could assist students with speech disabilities and autism. Her research and work in this field reflect her commitment to using music as a tool to help others, blending her love for the arts with a strong desire to support students’ diverse needs.

When she's not working or pursuing her musical endeavors, Patricia enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time with her beloved cats, Pumpkin and Maverick. These hobbies provide her with relaxation and creative outlets outside of her professional life.

Through her dedication to both music and special education, Patricia has made an impact on her students and peers, demonstrating the transformative power of music in education and therapy.

RM. 1404

PatKelley@ConroeISD.net