Orchestra - Greater Atlanta Christian School Orchestra Fostering a life-long love in musicianship, scholarship, and dedication. Successful in both solo and ensemble performances, orchestra members are well-rounded musicians that set the standard for excellence. With participation beginning in 5th grade, the program is fluent in honing students for artistic mastery through refining techniques and exposure to stylistic excellence. Pairing the talents of artistry with the devotion to mastery of skill, Orchestra performance molds students into true musicians. Silver Strings Orchestra (5th grade) Middle School Sinfonia Orchestra (6th-7th grades) Middle School Philharmonia Orchestra (7th-8th grades) High School Chamber Orchestra No previous experience required. This class introduces students to the library of instruments in the string family: violin, viola, cello, or bass. They will build a repertoire of songs and skills for two main concerts at the end of each semester and two chapel performances. This class builds endurance through more advanced training and four performances throughout the year. Students in this 2nd period class will be eligible to audition for All-State Orchestra. This group also performs at the Orchestra Festival in the spring. 2018 - “Superior” ratings in Large Group Performance Evaluation at GMEA 2017 - “Gold Standard” ratings at Southern Star Festival 2016 - “Superior” ratings in Large Group Performance Evaluation at GMEA 2015 - “Gold Standard” ratings at Southern Star Festival This class is available for students with at least two years of experience. The Philharmonia Orchestra will meet during 4th period four days a week. In the third year of the orchestra program, students will gain advanced experience through increasingly complex musical pieces. Students work fervently on their skill to perform at four concerts per year including a String Orchestra Festival in the Spring. Students in this class are eligible to audition for All-State Orchestra. 2018 - “Superior” ratings in Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) at GMEA 2017 - “Gold Standard” ratings at Southern Star Festival 2016 - “Superior” ratings in Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) at GMEA 2015 - “Gold Standard” ratings at Southern Star Festival The HS Chamber Orchestra is involved in the local community and filled with the talents of our High School and select Middle Schoolers chosen by the Director. This 7th period class has ample performances throughout the year, with opportunities to display their talent on and off campus. Members of the HS Chamber Orchestra are eligible to audition for the District 13 All-State Orchestra and the GISA All-Select Orchestra. These musicians build upon years of skill to produce mastery of their art. 2023 - All Superior ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation and the Southern Star Music Festival; 2 All-State Orchestra students 2019 - Excellent and Superior ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation 2018 - Excellent ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation 2017 - Superior ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation; Sweepstakes Winners at Southern Star Festival 2016 - Superior ratings at GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation 2015 - Gold Standard ratings and Grand Champions at Southern Star Music Festival October 24: Fall Orchestra Concert Dec. 10: Elementary & Middle School Christmas Concert Dec. 12: Christmas at GAC May 2: Orchestra Concert Contact Nelson Galarraga Director