Opportunities

GMEA District 12 Honor Orchestra

Each year, students may audition to participate in the District Honor Orchestra. This event brings together our most advanced students from all CCSD high schools to rehearse and perform challenging music. Additional rehearsals and performances are required. A special guest clinician works with the honors orchestra each year. More information can be found here.

North Georgia Honor Orchestra

Held each fall and sponsored by the Kennesaw State University School of Music, this orchestra is nomination-based and provides students with a unique experience to perform with other students from across the region and side-by-side with the KSU Symphony Orchestra. More information can be found here.

GMEA All-State Orchestra

The All-State Orchestra is formed each year to bring the top musicians from the state together to perform a concert. There are four high school orchestras: 9/10 string and full orchestra and the 11/12 string and full orchestra. The initial round (district level) auditions take place in the fall and the final round in January. Auditions are highly competitive and consist of scales, etudes, musical excerpts, and sightreading. The event takes place in late February or early March at the Classic Center in Athens. More information can be found here.

More opportunities...

As additional opportunities arise, they will be posted here…

Local Youth Orchestras

A youth orchestra is an ensemble made up of young musicians, typically ranging from elementary through high school age, who come together to rehearse and perform orchestral music. These ensembles often include string, wind, brass, and percussion instruments and are led by a conductor who guides their musical and technical development.

Benefits of Participating:

Musical Growth: Students develop advanced ensemble skills, improve technique, and gain exposure to a wide variety of repertoire.
Teamwork and Discipline: Members learn the value of collaboration, responsibility, and commitment through regular rehearsals and performances.
Confidence and Leadership: Performing in front of audiences builds self-esteem, and older members often have opportunities for mentorship or leadership roles.
Social Connections: Youth orchestras foster friendships and community among like-minded peers with a shared passion for music.
College and Career Preparation: Participation can enhance college applications and may inspire future musical or educational pursuits.

Atlanta is fortunate to have several high-quality youth orchestra programs, listed below…

Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta

For more information about auditioning for MYSO, please visit: https://www.mysoatlanta.org/auditions
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email info@mysoatlanta.org

Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra

For information on the orchestra and how to register for an audition, please visit: https://emoryyouthsymphony.org/auditions

Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra

Information about auditioning for The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra can be found here: https://www.georgiayouthsymphony.org/audition/

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra

Information about auditioning for The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra can be found here: https://www.aso.org/education-community/atlanta-symphony-youth-orchestra/asyo-auditions

Music by Tri-Tone Youth Orchestra