"Excellence through Music"
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 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!
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 in both years. In 2021 the orchestra received a considerable upgrade as the first dedicated orchestra rehearsal hall was opened to students. For the 2023-2024 school year, there will be a 98% retention rate, largest beginning class ever at 48 and with over 10 new students joining the seventh and eighth grade ensembles bringing the program total to over 100 members for the first time.
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 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!
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 in both years. In 2021 the orchestra received a considerable upgrade as the first dedicated orchestra rehearsal hall was opened to students. For the 2023-2024 school year, there will be a 98% retention rate, largest beginning class ever at 48 and with over 10 new students joining the seventh and eighth grade ensembles bringing the program total to over 100 members for the first time.
Upcoming Events
October 14 - All-State Auditions (First Round)
November 10-11 - District Honor Orchestra (Macon)
Concert Dates
December 5, 2023 - Celebrate the Arts (Chamber Orchestra)
January 23 - Winter Concert (All Orchestras)
February 22- Pre-LGPE w/High School (Chamber Orchestra)
March 7, 2024 - LGPE (Chamber Orchestra)
May 2, 2024 - Spring Concert (All Orchestras)
November 10-11 - District Honor Orchestra (Macon)
Concert Dates
December 5, 2023 - Celebrate the Arts (Chamber Orchestra)
January 23 - Winter Concert (All Orchestras)
February 22- Pre-LGPE w/High School (Chamber Orchestra)
March 7, 2024 - LGPE (Chamber Orchestra)
May 2, 2024 - Spring Concert (All Orchestras)