Bee Cave Middle School Orchestra
Link to BCMS Orchestra's Site
6th Grade Orchestra
Beginning Orchestra introduces students to the fundamentals of music and ensemble playing. Students learn to read music, develop responsibility and teamwork, set and achieve goals, and strengthen listening skills—all while experiencing the joy of making music. No prior experience or audition is required.
7th & 8th Grade Orchestra
The 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra is designed for students with at least one year of string experience who are not yet ready for the rigor of high school repertoire. In this program, students refine their skills in intonation, rhythm, tone production, and music analysis. They also practice proper concert etiquette—both as performers and as engaged audience members—while preparing for more advanced musical study.
James "Jamey" Strauss
Orchestra Director
BEE Cave Middle School
About Mr. Strauss
James (Jamey) Strauss is a music teacher and violinist from Austin, TX. Jamey is committed to instilling an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards music in the minds of young students. Most recently, Jamey was the Orchestra Director at Deerpark Middle School in Round Rock, TX.
Jamey completed his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a faculty member of the UT String Project, teaching students as young as 4 years old and as old as high school seniors. He studied violin with Professor Sandy Yamamoto, and was also a committed member of the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Farkhad Khudyev.
Jamey is an alumni Lake Travis High School, and was an active member of both the Lake Travis HS Orchestra and the Lake Travis Fiddlers. As a member of the Lake Travis Orchestra, Jamey earned placement into the Texas All-State Orchestra in 2018.
Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending time with his fiance, Joanna, and his cat, Sonnie, as well as playing softball and reading good books!
📧 straussja@ltisdschools.org
