DMS Orchestra
Program Information
Dowell Orchestra is an award winning orchestra program that has been recognized at the local, state, and national level. Students enrolled in orchestra at Dowell MS find themselves in a high functioning, organized, and family-like environment in which our students make friends and share experiences that will last through middle school and beyond. Students in orchestra are high achieving, and learning an instrument positively impacts the discipline and work in their academic classes as well as positively influences the culture at Dowell MS. Plus, it’s fun!
Director Information
Director
Mr. Michael Graber is an educator and violinist dedicated to string education and performance. Originally from South Dakota, Mr. Graber obtained a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Master of Music in Violin Performance/Teacher Certification from Texas Tech University. In 2015, Mr. Graber became the Assistant Orchestra Director at MacArthur High School in San Antonio, TX; a position that he held until he was hired at Dowell Middle School in 2017.
Since becoming the orchestra director at Dowell Middle School, the Dowell Orchestra program has earned consistent UIL Sweepstakes, multiple best in class awards, placement into the 2024 TMEA MS Full Honor Orchestra State Finals, selected as a 2023, 2024, and 2025 Mark of Excellence Commended Winner by the Foundations of Music Education, and other notorieties.
Mr. Graber is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, and the national music honor’s society Phi Kappa Lambda: Theta Kappa Chapter. An active performer, he has held section violin contracts with Lubbock Symphony Orchestra, Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra, Mid-Texas Symphony, the Las Colinas Symphony, and is currently under contact with the Allen Philharmonic. Residing in Frisco, Mr. Graber enjoys spending time with his wife Christina and children Owen and Mia, walking his dog Ponyo, running, gardening, and exploring DFW.
Email:
mgraber@mckinneyisd.net
Upcoming Events
10/8/26 - String Fling Concert at 6:30pm in the DMS Cafeteria
10/17/26 - MISD Upper Level Solo Festival at FMS
12/1/26 - Winter Concert at 7:00PM in MBHS Auditorium
1/23/27 - Beginner Solo /Upper Level Ensemble Festival at FMS
2/9/27 - Pre-UIL Concert at 6:30PM in the DMS Cafeteria
5/18/27 - Spring Concert at 7:30PM in MBHS Auditorium
Audition Information
Please Reach out to Mr. Graber about Orchestra Auditions and placement.
Booster Club Information
Dowell Orchestra Booster Club:
External Website: https://dowellorchestra.com