ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA
The Mansfield ISD Orchestra Program, offered to students grade 6-12, was first implemented during the 2016-2017 school term. The addition of the string program provides a well-rounded balance of options to the visual and performing arts within the district.
Orchestra is offered at all MISD intermediate, middle (new at individual campuses), and high schools. Intermediate and middle school students will participate in the program at their home campus. High school students will attend classes at Ben Barber Innovation Academy.
There is no application process to apply for the orchestra program. Students need to sign up for orchestra as an elective to enroll. Course selection sheets usually are provided in Spring for students to sign up for electives being offered in the upcoming school year.
YOUR ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR
Violinist Chaul Yang has given performances in the United States, Beijing, Hong Kong, Macau, and Belgium. She made her Carnegie Hall debut as a member of the Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra in 2014. During her music studies, she regularly served as the concertmaster of Baylor Symphony Orchestra, Baylor Chamber Orchestra, and UNT Symphony Orchestra.
An active orchestra player, Dr. Yang performs with the Fort Worth Symphony, the Richardson Symphony, and the Waco Symphony. She has obtained her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of North Texas (UNT) in December, 2017.
Regarded as a “sophisticated musician” by her mentors, Dr. Yang worked with renowned conductors such as Larry Rachleff, Michael Stern, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and Richard Bado. Her mentors included Philip Lewis, Kenneth Goldsmith, Kathleen Winkler, Cho-liang Lin, and Elizabeth Atkins.
Aside from performing, Dr. Yang enjoys teaching and helping young students nurture a love for music. She began giving private violin lessons in Houston in 2011 during her Master’s studies. Students under her guidance have advanced in Region and All-State auditions. From 2015-2017, Dr. Yang taught at UNT as a Teaching Fellow. She was able to assist not only Music Education majors but also adult beginners based on the university’s curriculum. Post graduation she became the founder of Heartbeat Violin Studio in Burleson, TX. Her mission is to help students of different ages teach themselves as soon as possible and develop musical and physical skills altogether. Dr. Yang currently is an Orchestra Director at Linda Jobe Middle School and Donna Shepard Leadership Academy with the Mansfield ISD.