The Killian Middle School Orchestra has quickly established a proud tradition since the school’s opening in 2007.  Students begin orchestra in the 6th grade and learn the violin, viola, cello, or bass.  In the 7th and 8th grades, members can be a part of the Concert, Symphonic, Philharmonic or Chamber Orchestras.  The KMS Orchestra has consistently earned Division I ratings at UIL and performs concerts throughout the year. Students enjoy making music with friends and hanging out at the Orchestra Socials.  KMS Orchestra students have made room 1610 the place to be!

The Directors

HELEN CHANG

Orchestra Director

Helen Chang is a graduate of the internationally-renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance and earned dual Master of Music degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Mrs. Chang began her musical studies at the age of five, studying piano with her mother before beginning violin at age eleven through her school orchestra program. Two years later, she joined the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra and went on to become a two-time member of the Texas All-State Symphony Orchestra. Her early musical experiences included international travel and performances throughout the US and Europe in both orchestral and chamber music festivals, inspiring her to pursue a career in music.

Mrs. Chang began her teaching career at Richardson Junior High School in Richardson, Texas, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year for the 2002-2003 school year. She has also served as Orchestra Director at Frankford and Robinson Middle Schools in Plano, Dealey Montessori Academy in Dallas, Hutcheson and Nichols Junior High Schools in Arlington, and the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy. In 2019, Mrs. Chang joined Killian Middle School in Lewisville ISD. She then served as Associate Orchestra Director at Hebron High School from 2022-2025 before returning to Killian in 2025. Under Mrs. Chang’s leadership, her orchestras have consistently earned Sweepstakes Awards at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contests, as well as Best in Class and Grand Champion honors at numerous orchestra festivals and competitions. Her professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Orchestra Directors Association.

As a performing violinist, Mrs. Chang has appeared in accompanying orchestras for artists including Andrea Bocelli, Amy Grant, Josh Groban, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and has traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia.

Beyond teaching, Mrs. Chang enjoys traveling and spending time with her wonderful husband, Tommy, and their beloved son, Ian, an avid golfer.

GRACE JOHN
Orchestra Director

Mrs. John is from Dallas, Texas and she received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. As an alumni of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra and Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, she has toured extensively and performed in Hawaii, Austria, Germany, and Prague. Prior to joining LISD, she has taught orchestra in Richardson, Plano, and Arlington school districts. She enjoys playing different instruments and is passionate about teaching the joys of music to her students. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two children.