SJMS Orchestra
Program Information
Welcome to the home of the Scott Johnson Middle School Orchestra in McKinney, Texas. SJMS Orchestra prides itself on being an inclusive program that empowers all students through music! Students can choose from violin, viola, cello, or bass.
Director Information
Mrs. Hardwick
Bethany Hardwick is the Director of Orchestras at Scott Johnson Middle School in McKinney, TX. She holds degrees from the University of North Texas and Boston University. Mrs. Hardwick’s orchestras have earned consistent Sweepstakes awards in UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, as well as “Best in Class” and “Overall Outstanding” in numerous orchestra festivals. Known to her students as "Mrs. Hardy Party," Mrs. Hardwick has established a reputation for being an inclusive orchestra director, and has presented at conventions, on podcasts, and at universities about how to include everyone in orchestra!
Mrs. Hardwick has received numerous accolades including Quarterfinalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award (2015, 2019, 2025), GRAMMY Semifinalist (2019) Campus Teacher of the Year (2016), Winston Churchill Distinguished Alumni in the Arts (2018), and the Cain Sczepanski Foundation in Special Education Award of Excellence (2019). Mrs. Hardwick performs regularly in the DFW area with string quartets, rock bands, and for community theaters and musicals. In her free time, Mrs. Hardwick loves to travel, hike and camp, and spend time with her husband, Kevin, and their dog Zooey.
Contact Mrs. Hardwick at bhardwick@mckinneyisd.net
Mrs. Piedra
Amaris Piedra is thrilled to join Scott Johnson Middle School as Associate Director of Orchestras, bringing three years of public school music education experience to the program. Previously serving as Head Director at Kahla Middle School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Mrs. Piedra led ensembles to consistent Sweepstakes ratings at UIL competitions, fostering a culture of technical excellence and artistic growth.
A native of Houston, Texas, Mrs. Piedra earned a degree in music from the University of St. Thomas. She is deeply passionate about the transformative power of music education, dedicated to sharing the positivity music brings to young lives while empowering students to hone their craft. Outside of the orchestra room, Mrs. Piedra enjoys attending the movies with her husband, baking, and exploring local restaurants.
Contact Mrs. Piedra at apiedra@mckinneyisd.net
Upcoming Events
Social Media
Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Threads!
@sjmsorchestra
Booster Club Information
Booster clubs are made up of parents who want to help "boost" the program by helping manage program fees, volunteering at events, and coordinating fundraisers. Interested in joining the SJMS Orchestra Booster Club? Email bhardwick@mckinneyisd.net