"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 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 51 and with over 10 new students joining the seventh and eighth grade ensembles bringing the program total to over 120 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 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 51 and with over 10 new students joining the seventh and eighth grade ensembles bringing the program total to over 120 members for the first time.
Support the RHMS Orchestra
Between November 13 and December 10 the RHMS orchestra will be selling Indian River Fruit and gifts! Please, follow the link below for more information. Your gift will go towards repairs, new instruments, and supporting our growing program! Donations are also welcome, please contact Mr. Mock at jmock@bryan.k12.ga.us if you would like to make a donation.
Order Here
Upcoming Events
Indian River Fruit Fundraiser - November 13-December 10
January 13 - All-State Auditions (Second Round)
Concert Dates
December 5, 2023 - Celebrate the Arts (Chamber Orchestra)
January 23 - Winter Concert (All Orchestras)
February 7 - Pre-LGPE Evaluation (GSU-Statesboro - Chamber Orchestra)
February 22- Pre-LGPE Concert w/High School (FBC in Richmond Hill - Chamber Orchestra)
February 28-March 2 - All-State (Athens-those who are accepted)
March 7, 2024 - LGPE in Macon (Chamber Orchestra)
May 2, 2024 - Spring Concert (All Orchestras)
January 13 - All-State Auditions (Second Round)
Concert Dates
December 5, 2023 - Celebrate the Arts (Chamber Orchestra)
January 23 - Winter Concert (All Orchestras)
February 7 - Pre-LGPE Evaluation (GSU-Statesboro - Chamber Orchestra)
February 22- Pre-LGPE Concert w/High School (FBC in Richmond Hill - Chamber Orchestra)
February 28-March 2 - All-State (Athens-those who are accepted)
March 7, 2024 - LGPE in Macon (Chamber Orchestra)
May 2, 2024 - Spring Concert (All Orchestras)