The FYO (First Year Orchestra) classes at Muas Middle School are unique and serve as the foundation for the entire orchestra program. This beginning orchestra split between multiple class periods is structured to teach each student the fundamental music skills required to be successful on their instrument.
​Private lessons are strongly encouraged. 

The Prelude Orchestra class emphasizes the development of individual and orchestral performance skills in preparation for concerts as well as promotion into the Philharmonic or Sinfonia Orchestras. The class is geared to 7th or 8th grade students that need reinforcement of fundamentals or 6th graders that have taken lessons before middle school. The students refine basic fundamentals and are introduced to skills needed for a higher level of technical playing. Basic elements of melody and harmony are introduced as they work on grade 1 literature. 
Due to the rigor of Prelude Orchestra, private lessons are strongly encouraged. 

The Sinfonietta Orchestra class emphasizes the development of orchestral performance skills in preparation for concerts and UIL contest. The students continue to reinforce basic fundamentals, increase music ability and range, and prepare students for Sinfonia Orchestra or one of the High School Orchestras. The elements of more basic melody and harmony and interpretation are reinforced, and a higher level of technical playing proficiency is developed and enjoyed in multiple performing opportunities. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through solo and ensemble performance, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest,  TMEA Region 24 orchestra auditions, and all Maus Orchestra concerts. 
​Due to the rigor of Sinfonietta Orchestra, Private lessons are strongly encouraged. 

The Sinfonia Orchestra class emphasizes the development of full-orchestra performance skills in preparation for concerts and UIL contest. This is the class with the highest level of playing. The students continue developing solid fundamentals, increase music ability and range, and prepare students for one of the High-School Orchestras. The elements of more complex melody and harmony and interpretation are addressed, and a higher level of technical playing proficiency is developed and enjoyed in multiple performing opportunities. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through solo and ensemble performance, UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, TMEA Region 24 orchestra auditions, and all Maus Orchestra concerts. Students will attend one weekly co-curricular section practice, or “sectional,” which will last for 45 minutes either before or after school. These will start after the first few weeks of school and will continue into the month of May. Attendance at these are mandatory, graded, and are considered an extension of classroom instruction.
​Due to the rigor of Chamber Orchestra, private lessons are strongly encouraged.