The Travis Middle School Orchestra is comprised of students from surrounding elementary schools such as Whittier, Eastridge, and Forest Hill.  By the 7th grade, members have been playing for two years and should enter our program with the foundational technique expected of any orchestra student such as note-reading, solid tone production and ensemble skills.  In this program, we place a strong emphasis on improving these fundamentals as well as cultivating a sense of commitment to the ensemble and the ability to think critically with regard to one’s contribution to the orchestral sound.  Students prepare and perform several concerts throughout the year as well as participate in University Interscholastic League (UIL) events including All-Region Orchestra auditions, Solo and Ensemble Contest, and the Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.

Director Matias Arambula IV

Matias Arambula IV (Matt) is a native of Laredo, Texas.  In the 6th grade, he began playing violin in his school orchestra at W.B. Lamar Middle School.  In 2002, he graduated from J.W. Nixon High School with an excitement for music and playing his violin.  He attended West Texas A&M University from 2002 to 2009, attaining both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Music Performance.  In 2014, he returned to WTAMU and received his teaching certificate through the Panhandle Alternative Certification for Educators (PACE) Program and took the position as the Orchestra Teacher for William B. Travis Middle School in August of the same year.  He currently lives in Canyon with his wife and son and is an active performer throughout the community.