​PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Maximum 10th Grade
​Rehearsals: 1:45 - 3:45 pm 
Conductor and Director, Mr. Nikit Desai
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The Philharmonic Orchestra is comprised of strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, with occasional harp and piano. This Orchestra is designed for intermediate level musicians with foundation skills of shifting (2nd up to 5th positions is expected) and orchestral bowing techniques that will enable string players to master repertoire comparable to the music taught in most high school programs in the area. 

This program is ideal for all students from as young as 5th grade to 10th grade who wish to experience playing in a full orchestra setting and have a strong desire to better themselves as musicians. The Philharmonic Orchestra performs two to three concerts per season.

.ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

​Mr. Nikit Desai, Director and Conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Nikit P. Desai attended Texas Tech University to earn a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration of viola performance. He studied under Dr. Blair Williams for String Music Education and Dr. Kimberly Sparr for Viola Performance.He showcased his musical abilities through the TTU Symphony Orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo recital performances. While there, he led viola and violin classes through the TTU String Project, which aimed to teach string instruments to students without string programs in their schools. He also co-taught a “parent orchestra” with adult beginner parents learning a string instrument alongside their own orchestra students.
 
After graduating from Texas Tech University, Mr. Desai taught at Centennial High School in FISD as the Associate Director from 2019-2021. While at Centennial HS, Mr. Desai led many of the ensembles, especially the younger groups, to Sweepstakes performances at UIL Adjudication. He then moved to Scoggins MS where his students have enjoyed the same level of success at UIL Adjudication. His musical selections frequently incorporate culturally relevant new pieces with standard school orchestra repertoire. Mr. Desai is currently expanding the Scoggins MS program to include higher foundational skills and repertoire for his students.
 
Mr. Desai remains active in performing on the viola with the McKinney Philharmonic. In his free time, Mr. Desai enjoys playing tennis, golf, and cooking for his friends and family members. He enjoys food of various cultures and is always looking to try new recipes and foods.

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