Orchestra 101

Why Orchestra

At Alpharetta High School, our mission is to inspire and empower students through the art of orchestral music. We are committed to fostering musical excellence, personal growth, and a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. Our vision is for all students to develop their full potential as musicians and individuals, guided by the values of artistic excellence, dedication, discipline, collaboration, and community. We strive to build a supportive and inclusive environment where all voices contribute, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a passion for continuous improvement. With integrity and leadership at our core, we aim to enrich our school and community while shaping students into well-rounded, responsible citizens.

Joining the orchestra offers students a unique opportunity to develop musicianship, teamwork, and discipline while forming lifelong friendships. It provides an outlet for artistic expression, challenges students to push their creative and technical abilities, and fosters a sense of belonging in a group united by a shared love for music. Whether pursuing music professionally or as a personal passion, students gain skills that extend beyond the stage, preparing them for success in any field.

- Jacob Hood, Director of the Alpharetta High School Orchestra

Course Offerings and Audition Materials

Concert Orchestra – Designed for 9th-grade students, this ensemble serves as an introduction to high school orchestra. Students focus on foundational techniques, ensemble skills, and musical expression while building confidence in performance.

Silver Orchestra – A beginning-level orchestra for 10th, 11th, and 12th-grade students, this ensemble provides fundamental training in string techniques, ensemble playing, and music literacy, offering a supportive environment for students continuing their orchestral journey.

Philharmonia Orchestra – Performing repertoire at the LGPE Level 3-4, this ensemble challenges students with more complex musical works while refining their technical skills, sight-reading, and ensemble coordination.

Sinfonia Orchestra – An advanced ensemble for dedicated musicians working to develop higher-level techniques, musical interpretation, and ensemble precision. Students explore more demanding repertoire, preparing for advanced performance opportunities.

Symphony Orchestra – The most advanced ensemble, dedicated to refining mastery in orchestral performance. Students tackle professional-level repertoire, enhance their musical artistry, and develop leadership skills in preparation for collegiate and professional music experiences.

Orchestra Misconceptions

  • Many orchestra students successfully balance their involvement in sports, clubs, and challenging academic courses like AP or Georgia Tech Dual Enrollment classes. The orchestra program helps students develop strong time-management and organizational skills, which are essential for managing multiple commitments. In the past, students have found success in balancing both orchestra and other extracurriculars, using the discipline learned in orchestra to stay organized and focused.

  • Yes! Orchestra rehearsals are scheduled during the school day, so there’s minimal overlap with after-school activities. Many students have participated in both sports and orchestra, with the skills they develop in orchestra, such as teamwork, discipline, and time management, helping them excel in other areas as well.

  • Orchestra encourages skills like focus, perseverance, and problem-solving, which directly contribute to academic success. Students who participate in orchestra have consistently demonstrated strong academic performance, with many balancing challenging courses while continuing to excel in music. The structured environment of orchestra helps students develop the discipline to manage their academic workload and extracurricular activities effectively.

  • Beyond musical skills, orchestra fosters teamwork, leadership, time management, and creative thinking—skills that are valuable in any future career. Whether you pursue a career in music or another field, the skills you develop in orchestra will support your academic and personal growth, preparing you for success in college and beyond.

  • Absolutely! The Concert and Silver Orchestras are designed for beginners, with no prior orchestral experience required. These groups provide an excellent foundation for developing musical skills and learning to perform in an ensemble. Whether you’re a 9th grader or an upperclassman, orchestra is a welcoming environment for students at all levels of experience.