About the Orchestras

The Alpharetta High School Orchestra program is home to around 130 students across five distinct performance levels, offering daily string instruction that builds technique, musicianship, ear training, and both solo and ensemble skills. Our goal is to develop thriving, independent musicians who carry a lifelong love of music beyond the classroom.

Under the direction of Jake Hood, the program continues Alpharetta’s long-standing reputation for excellence in music-making, with an emphasis on individual student growth, community outreach, and chamber music. Students benefit from outstanding facilities, a supportive administration, and a dedicated parent booster organization.

Our five ensembles, from entry to elite level, are:

  • Concert Orchestra — our entry-level ensemble for freshmen, developing performers building toward third-position playing

  • Silver Orchestra — the same entry level as Concert, for sophomores through seniors

  • Philharmonia — intermediate-level performers expanding technique through shifting and vibrato

  • Sinfonia — advanced-level performers working through fifth position and more demanding repertoire

  • Symphony — our premier full symphony orchestra for mastery-level performers, including winds, brass, and percussion

  • Chamber Orchestra — our elite ensemble, performing the most challenging string repertoire

The Orchestras in Detail

Concert Orchestra

Alpharetta's entry-level ensemble for freshmen — though not a beginner group, as previous playing experience is required. Students refine performance skills and precision while developing third-position playing, with the goal of playing in tune in third position by year's end.

  • Rehearsals: Daily, 8th period

  • Repertoire: GMEA Level III–IV string orchestra literature

  • Skills: Proficiency in at least four two-octave scales and arpeggios; developing 8 of the 12 major two-octave scales across the year

  • Practice expectation: Minimum 100 minutes per week

  • Performances: Fall, Winter, GMEA Preview, GMEA LGPE, Cluster, and Spring Concerts, plus selected community events. Students may also perform at GMEA Solo & Ensemble and audition for GMEA All-State and Fulton County Honor Orchestra.

Philharmonia

An intermediate ensemble for performers increasing their precision and technique. Students are expected to shift confidently between first and third positions and to use vibrato.

  • Rehearsals: Daily, 2nd period

  • Repertoire: GMEA Level IV–V string orchestra literature

  • Skills: Proficiency in all one- and two-octave major scales and arpeggios, plus selected two-octave melodic minor scales; developing three-octave major scales up to four sharps and flats, with position work through fifth position

  • Performances: Fall, Winter, GMEA Preview, GMEA LGPE, Cluster, and Spring Concerts, plus selected community events. Students may also perform at GMEA Solo & Ensemble and audition for GMEA All-State and Fulton County Honor Orchestra.

Sinfonia

An advanced ensemble for performers with strong command of their instrument, including shifting through fifth position and vibrato.

  • Rehearsals: Daily, 3rd period

  • Repertoire: GMEA Level IV–V string orchestra literature

  • Skills: Proficiency in all two- and three-octave major scales and arpeggios, plus selected two- and three-octave melodic minor scales

  • Performances: Fall, Winter, GMEA Preview, GMEA LGPE, Cluster, and Spring Concerts, plus selected community events. Students may also perform at GMEA Solo & Ensemble and audition for GMEA All-State and Fulton County Honor Orchestra.

Symphony

The school's premier performing ensemble, for mastery-level performers. As a full symphony orchestra, it welcomes winds, brass, and percussion alongside strings and requires the highest level of skill and independence.

  • Rehearsals: Daily, 4th period, with full symphony rehearsals once per week

  • Repertoire: GMEA Level V–VI literature in both string and full orchestra, with opportunities for solo, ensemble, and concerto work

  • Travel: Members must be able to travel with the orchestra for local, statewide, and national performances. Fundraising opportunities are provided to help offset travel costs.

Literature will consist of level GMEA Level V and VI literature in both String and Full Orchestra.  Opportunities exist for solo and ensemble as well as concerto literature.  Students will be taught personal diagnostic skills for individual practice and improvement purposes.

Students in Symphony Orchestra must be able to travel with the orchestra when it performs locally, statewide or nationally.  Opportunities for fund raising will be provided to assist in defraying travel expenses.

Silver Orchestra

The same level as Concert Orchestra, but for sophomores, juniors, and seniors rather than freshmen. Like Concert, it's not a beginner ensemble — previous playing experience is required. Students refine performance skills and precision while developing third-position playing.

  • Rehearsals: Daily, 8th Period

  • Repertoire: GMEA Level III–IV string orchestra literature

  • Skills: Proficiency in at least four two-octave scales and arpeggios; developing 8 of the 12 major two-octave scales across the year

  • Performances: Fall, Winter, GMEA Preview, GMEA LGPE, Cluster, and Spring Concerts, plus selected community events. Students may also perform at GMEA Solo & Ensemble and audition for GMEA All-State and Fulton County Honor Orchestra.

Chamber

The school's elite ensemble, where mastery-level performers demonstrate the highest level of skill and precision.

  • Rehearsals: Daily, 7th period

  • Repertoire: GMEA Level VI literature and beyond for string orchestra