LEADERSHIP

Ana Maria Solís de Herrera is currently the Director of orchestras at Austin High School in the Austin Independent School District. Previously she was Director at O. Henry Middle School, Lamar Middle School, and McCallum High School. Prior to her appointment as Austin Youth Orchestra Organizer, she served as Co-coordinator and Conductor of the Concertante, Sinfonietta, and Philharmonic Youth Orchestras.

Mrs. Solís-Herrera holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Violin Performance and a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Texas. She has completed certifications in Suzuki Method and conducting workshops at the University of Texas.

Mrs. Solís-Herrera has performed internationally with several orchestras in Asia, Latin America, and the United States, including the Ehime University Orchestra in Matsuyama, Japan, the Carlos Chavez Symphony in Mexico City, and the Ohio Light Opera. Mrs. Solís-Herrera has been invited to speak at music educators conferences in Italy, Sweden, and Latin America on her research on the musical preferences of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the United States.

In Austin, Mrs. Solís-Herrera maintains a performance schedule with several chamber groups. She also teaches violin from her private studio at home. Many of her private students have placed in the Texas Music Educators Association All-Region and All-State Orchestras.

ORCHESTRA COUNCIL

The Austin High School Orchestra Council is comprised of elected officers from the Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras. A representative is also elected from the incoming freshman class in an effort to ensure that all grade levels are involved in orchestra decisions. These students are responsible for orchestra operations, fundraising activities, vertical team concerts, recruiting tours, trip planning and preparation, and the orchestra banquet. The Council is an active and integral part of the orchestras' communications to its members and an invaluable organizational tool for the Orchestra Director. Elections of officers are held each spring semester. The Orchestra Council meets one time per week.

ORCHESTRA OFFICERS
2011-2012

  • Senior Equipment Manager
  • Shelby Rincon
  • Social Coordinator
  • Elysia Roque