About

Haskett Junior High
Orchestra Program

At Haskett Junior High, located in the vibrant community of Katy Independent School District, music truly comes alive in the form of a thriving orchestra program. The program caters to students of various skill levels, offering four distinct ensembles: First Year, Sinfonia, Philharmonic, and Chamber Orchestras.

Haskett Junior High's orchestra program is not just about making music; it is about nurturing young talents, fostering a love for the arts, and shaping the leaders and artists of tomorrow.

Director of Orchestras

Along with his public education career, Mr. Daniel teaches double bass privately. His students have received TMEA All-State honors as well as UIL State Solo & Ensemble Outstanding Performer recognition. Students have been accepted to prestigious festivals including the Interlochen Arts Camp, the Brevard Music Festival, the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, the National Youth Orchestra, and the Verbier Musical Festival. Prior students have continued to study music at the collegiate level including the University of Houston, Texas State University, Texas Tech, and Rice University. 

Mr. Daniel earned undergraduate degrees at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Double Bass Performance and Music Education. He spent his summers studying at the Interlochen Arts Camp, the Brevard Music Festival, and the Conservatorio de Antonio Vivaldi in Italy. After UGA he completed graduate work at Indiana University at the Jacobs School of Music. Professionally he has performed with the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and served as principal bassist for the Brazosport Symphony Orchestra, the Athens Symphony Orchestra, and the Orquesta Sinfónica de La Salta in Argentina.

In his free time Mr. Daniel loves to travel with his wife, Rebecca, watch college football, as well as spend time with their two pets, Kiki and Jojo. Mr. Daniel is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association.  

Emory Daniel

Emory Daniel is the orchestra director at Haskett Junior High in Katy ISD. During his tenure since 2022, he has grown the program from under 65 students to over 120. Mr. Daniel’s orchestras consistently receive Sweepstakes ratings at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contests. Mr. Daniel is also co-director of the Katy Youth Symphony, a local youth orchestra program based in Katy, Texas. In addition, he plays professionally as a bassist for both the Symphony of Southeast Texas in Beaumont and the Trinity Klein Lutheran Church in Spring. 

Before directing at Haskett Junior High, Mr. Daniel was the Associate Orchestra Director at Clements High School (Fort Bend ISD; Sugar Land, TX) where the varsity ensemble was recognized as a 2020 TMEA Honor Orchestra finalist. In 2017, he received the Rookie Teacher of the Year award at T.H. McDonald Junior High (Katy ISD; Katy, TX). 

Program Orchestras

Chamber

The Chamber Orchestra is an audition-based orchestra that includes some second-year and primarily third-year orchestra students. This is our Varsity UIL contest competing ensemble and will typically have 10-15 concerts per year as well as weekly sectional based before/after school rehearsals. This ensemble performs grade II-IV level music. Private lessons are encouraged. Grades include weekly participation, weekly canvas video recordings, as well as participation in our after school rehearsals and concerts. Students continue to develop note reading skills as well as intermediate and advanced level string technique. This ensemble receives weekly teaching from our high school directors as well as coaching sessions from other Katy ISD approved instructors. Students are expected to participate in our annual UIL solo and ensemble competition.

Philharmonic

The Philharmonic Orchestra is an audition-based orchestra that typically includes second- and third-year orchestra students. This is our Non-Varsity UIL contest competing ensemble and will have typically 5-7 concerts per year as well as weekly sectional based before/after school rehearsals. This ensemble performs grade I-II level music. Private lessons are encouraged. Grades include weekly participation, weekly canvas video recordings, as well as participation in our after school rehearsals and concerts.Students continue to develop note reading skills as well as intermediate level string technique. This ensemble receives weekly teaching from our high school directors as well as coaching sessions from other Katy ISD approved instructors. Students are expected to participate in our annual UIL solo and ensemble competition.

Sinfonia

The Sinfonia Orchestra is an audition-based orchestra that comprises primarily second year orchestra students. Students continue to develop note reading skills and beginning string technique. This orchestra performs grade I music and has four after school performances. There are no after school rehearsal requirements. Private lessons are encouraged. Grades include weekly participation, weekly or bi-weekly in class playing tests in group or individual settings, as well as participation in our after school rehearsals and concerts.

First Year (FYO)

The First Year Orchestra comprises beginner students in homogenous class settings. No prior experience or audition is necessary. Students learn the fundamentals of string playing including instrument maintenance/care, proper set up, and basic technique. Students learn how to read music including various notes and rhythms. The typical year of a beginner includes class daily, four after school rehearsals and four after school concerts performing grade I music. Private lessons are not a requirement but encouraged as lessons are one of the best investments towards a student’s musical success. Grades include weekly participation, weekly or bi-weekly in class playing tests in group or individual settings, and participation in and our after school rehearsals and concerts.