"Excellence through Music"
Updates and News
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 7TH AND 8TH GRADE COMBINED INTERMEDIATE ORCHESTRA AND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA FOR EARNING A SUPERIOR RATING AT LGPE THIS WEEK!
Another first for the RHMS Orchestra! Please join us in congratulating Anela Cruz (Double Bass), Jun Jong (Violin), Siyoon Lee (Viola), and Ahin Shin (Cello) for being selected to participate in the 2025 GMEA All-State Clinic. These four students represent the best of the best in the State of Georgia! We are very proud of their accomplishment and the other students who auditioned in round two this past weekend proudly representing Richmond Hill and Bryan County Schools at the state level!
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About Us
Welcome to the Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra page. Home of the LARGEST school orchestra program in Southeast Georgia.
Here at RHMS, our orchestra includes 4 different types of string instruments: violins, violas, cellos, and basses. We begin our students learning the basics of reading and playing music. Upon mastery, our students are moved onto the next level. The program comprises the 6th Beginning Orchestra, 7th Grade Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, 8th Grade Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, and a Chamber Orchestra.
The orchestra program at RHMS consists of 6th-8th grade students split across six classes. We typically have 3-4 performances/concerts each year. Occasionally, we will include other instruments (piano, drums, etc.) as necessary and collaborate with the other fine art departments to enhance our performances!
Since the 2022-23 school year the program has seen a tremendous amount of growth. Enrollment numbers for the 2025-26 school year is 176, that is a 145% enrollment increase in a short three school years. This can be attributed to the 95% or better retention rate and consistent 20% or better enrollment growth each year.
History
The Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra began in 2006 by Dr. Emery Warnock as an after-school club. The group worked as small chamber ensembles until 2013, when a course was added to the fine arts department. The orchestra at that time was only 15 members. Since then, the program has grown to over 170 members. During the 2023-2024 school year, the program saw it's first All-State performer and the program's first Superior Rating at the Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluation. In 2022 and 2023, the group attended the Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluation earning Excellent ratings both years. In 2021, the orchestra received a considerable upgrade as the first dedicated orchestra rehearsal hall was opened to students.
Here at RHMS, our orchestra includes 4 different types of string instruments: violins, violas, cellos, and basses. We begin our students learning the basics of reading and playing music. Upon mastery, our students are moved onto the next level. The program comprises the 6th Beginning Orchestra, 7th Grade Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, 8th Grade Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, and a Chamber Orchestra.
The orchestra program at RHMS consists of 6th-8th grade students split across six classes. We typically have 3-4 performances/concerts each year. Occasionally, we will include other instruments (piano, drums, etc.) as necessary and collaborate with the other fine art departments to enhance our performances!
Since the 2022-23 school year the program has seen a tremendous amount of growth. Enrollment numbers for the 2025-26 school year is 176, that is a 145% enrollment increase in a short three school years. This can be attributed to the 95% or better retention rate and consistent 20% or better enrollment growth each year.
History
The Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra began in 2006 by Dr. Emery Warnock as an after-school club. The group worked as small chamber ensembles until 2013, when a course was added to the fine arts department. The orchestra at that time was only 15 members. Since then, the program has grown to over 170 members. During the 2023-2024 school year, the program saw it's first All-State performer and the program's first Superior Rating at the Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluation. In 2022 and 2023, the group attended the Georgia Music Educators Association Large Group Performance Evaluation earning Excellent ratings both years. In 2021, the orchestra received a considerable upgrade as the first dedicated orchestra rehearsal hall was opened to students.
Support the RHMS Orchestra
Donations are welcomed, please contact Mr. Mock at [email protected] if you would like to make a donation. Donations are allocated for new instruments, repairs, new music, festivals, travel, and clinicians for our growing program!
Upcoming Events
- April 26 - Spring Solo and Ensemble (Select Members Only)
- May 12 - Spring Concert (All Orchestras)
Quick Links
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