"Excellence through Music"
Updates and News
About Us
Welcome to the Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra page.
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 and 7th Grade Combined Beginning Orchestra, 7th Grade Orchestra, 8th Grade Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, and a Chamber Orchestra.
The orchestra program at RHMS consists of 6th-8th grade students split across five 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!
The 2023-2024 school year saw a 98% retention rate and a growth of 43%. With the largest beginning class ever, currently at 54 sixth graders and over 10 new students joining the seventh and eighth grade, the program total is over 120 members for the first time.
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 100 members. 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 and 7th Grade Combined Beginning Orchestra, 7th Grade Orchestra, 8th Grade Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras, and a Chamber Orchestra.
The orchestra program at RHMS consists of 6th-8th grade students split across five 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!
The 2023-2024 school year saw a 98% retention rate and a growth of 43%. With the largest beginning class ever, currently at 54 sixth graders and over 10 new students joining the seventh and eighth grade, the program total is over 120 members for the first time.
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 100 members. 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
- Oct. 15 - 7th and 8th Grade Showcase Concert for the 6th Graders
- Nov. 12 - 6th Grade Showcase for parents, family, and friends
- Dec. 3 - Celebrate the Arts (Chamber Only)
- Jan. 28 - Winter Concert
- Feb. 20 - Pre-LGPE Concert with high school
- Feb. 25 - LGPE in Savannah (Intermediate Orchestra Only)
- Mar. 6 LGPE in Macon (Chamber Only - location and date may change)
- April 29 - Spring Concert (All Orchestras)