Musician Focussed
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Number of Students
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Our Story
The Lassiter Orchestra Program is a 
Grammy Signature School (2000) and is widely recognized as one of the finest high school orchestra programs in the nation. The Lassiter Orchestra is frequently invited to perform at conferences and competitions across the nation. In 2001 and 2008 respectively, the Lassiter Symphony and Lassiter Chamber Orchestra were selected to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. This is the most prestigious honor a band or orchestra can receive. The Lassiter Symphony was also selected to perform for the 2003, 2006, and 2014 Georgia Music Educator’s Conference in Savannah. In 2007 the Lassiter Chamber Orchestra and Lassiter String Ensemble competed in New York City at the Lincoln Center’s National Orchestra Cup. The Lassiter Chamber Orchestra won Grand Champion of the competition and Best String Section. Both orchestras have been invited back to New York to perform for the 2016 National Orchestra Cup.
Other honors include an invitation to perform for Disney’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, a performance at the Lincoln Memorial and a clinic with the United States Army’s Strolling Strings (the White House’s performing string ensemble), and a 2010 invitation and clinic with the U.S. Air Force Band and Strolling Strings at Bolling AFB. In 2004 the Orchestra competed in the American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival in Dallas, Texas placing in the country’s top 3 orchestras where they presented an Encore Performance to conclude the ASTA Conference. In 2007 and 2008 the Lassiter Orchestra was invited to perform on stage with the internationally acclaimed, Barrage, to a sold out crowd. In 2015, the Lassiter Orchestra traveled to France, performing at the American Cemetery in Normandy and the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.
The Lassiter Orchestras
There are 4 skill-based orchestra classes that meet daily: Concert Orchestra, Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Chamber Orchestra. Only Sinfonia (“JV”), and Chamber (“Varsity”) Orchestras require an audition for placement. Please email our director, Dr. Charles Laux, further information.
Lassiter Concert Orchestra
The Concert Orchestra is the first level intermediate orchestra and is only for 9th grade students. The content of this course includes instruction in performance techniques with emphasis placed on technical and musical skills through the study of rudimentary exercises and mainly level 2-3 string orchestra repertoire. Individual practice outside of class time is necessary for successful mastery of performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: Beg Orchestra, Grades 9-12] Prerequisite: previous orchestra experience or teacher recommendation.
Lassiter Philharmonia Orchestra
The Philharmonia Orchestra is the intermediate orchestra for students in grades 10-12. The content of this course includes instruction in performance techniques with emphasis placed on technical and musical skills through the study of rudimentary exercises and mainly level 3-4 string orchestra repertoire. Individual practice outside of class time is necessary for successful mastery of performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: Int. Orchestra, Grades 10-12] Prerequisite: Previous orchestra experience or teacher recommendation.
Lassiter Sinfonia Orchestra
The Sinfonia Orchestra is an advanced-level orchestra and considered the “junior varsity” orchestra ensemble. This course includes advanced instruction in performance techniques with emphasis placed on technical and musical skills through the study of mainly grade 4-5 string orchestra repertoire. Individual practice outside of class time is necessary for successful mastery of performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: Adv. Orchestra, Grades 9-12] Prerequisite: Audition and teacher recommendation.
Lassiter Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is comprised of students with highest skill level and serves as one of the premiere (“Varsity”) performing ensembles at Lassiter High School. Students in this course will demonstrate a mastery level of proficiency on violin, viola, cello, or double bass. The students will combine with woodwind, brass, and percussion students to form the LHS Symphony Orchestra. Students should be prepared to complete rigorous performance assessments and spend time outside of class for performances. Individual practice outside of class time is necessary for successful mastery of performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: Mastery Orchestra, Grades 9-12] Prerequisite: Audition and teacher recommendation.
Lassiter Symphony
The Lassiter Symphony is comprised of Lassiter’s most advanced instrumentalists from the Lassiter Band and Lassiter Orchestra Programs. The Lassiter Symphony has been selected to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Conference (2003, 2006) and the Midwest Clinic (2001). Recently performed repertoire includes Sibelius’ Finlandia. Each year the Lassiter Symphony performs on the Spring Concert entitled “A Night at the Movies & more!” featuring film clips and performing scores from blockbuster hits.