About US
THE GOLDEN EAGLE ORCHESTRA
Founded in 2024-2025, the FHS Orchestra offers a unique opportunity for students to experience the power of orchestral music in a close-knit, collaborative setting. Our program emphasizes individual growth, teamwork, and artistic expression, allowing each musician the opportunity to excel while contributing to the collective team. Whether you're new to playing in an orchestra or have years of experience, you'll find a supportive and inspiring environment where your skills will flourish. With a focus on diverse repertoire, strong technique, and personal connections, we strive to cultivate a life-long love for music and create a strong sense of community within our school.
Jennifer Gingell
Director of Orchestras
Jennifer Gingell has been teaching in public education for fifteen years in the Greater Houston area. She is currently serving her eighth year in Katy ISD, and is thrilled to start the Freeman High School Orchestra Program. Mrs. Gingell earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a Focus in Cello at Loyola University New Orleans, under the tutelage of Dean Angeles and Allen Nisbit. Studying under Dr. Robert Gillespie and Mark Rudoff at The Ohio State University, she earned a Master of Arts in String Pedagogy.
Under her direction, her orchestras have consistently grown not only in number but also in quality; receiving Superior ratings and Best in Class distinctions at the University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, the Ann C. Roberts Orchestra Festival, the Director’s Choice Showcase of Music, and the Solo and Ensemble Contest.
​
While at Seven Lakes Junior High, her orchestras were given national recognition at the Music For All National Festival, the Mark of Excellence project, the American String Teachers Association: National Orchestra Festival (earning Grand National Champion in the middle school division), and at The Midwest Clinic.
​
Mrs. Gingell has also been an invited speaker at the Texas Music Educators Association (Maximize and Organize: Create Excellence Through Efficiency) and the Texas Orchestra Directors Association (Beyond the Foundation: Advancing Students' Technique).
