Updates and News
August 15, 2025
- Fundraisers will begin soon! Check out the Weekly Update with material. Please also check out sponsorship opportunities!
- Parents - Check out the Parent Resources Tab and dropdown menu for up-to-date information.
- Band App - Parents, please join Band App to stay informed!
- My Music Office - All new accounts will be activated this weekend. Stay informed, check the weekly email!
Congratulations to the members of the 2024–25 Chamber Orchestra on a truly historic achievement: being the first ensemble in our program’s history to earn the highest honor from GMEA—the Exemplary Performance Award.
This prestigious award is presented to groups that demonstrate exceptional levels of performance and participation in All-State, All-District, LGPE, and Solo & Ensemble. The award will be formally presented to the orchestra at our Fall Concert on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, where the community can celebrate this outstanding achieviment.
This prestigious award is presented to groups that demonstrate exceptional levels of performance and participation in All-State, All-District, LGPE, and Solo & Ensemble. The award will be formally presented to the orchestra at our Fall Concert on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, where the community can celebrate this outstanding achieviment.
About Us
Welcome to the Richmond Hill Middle School Orchestra!
Home of the largest school orchestra program in Southeast Georgia.
At RHMS, our orchestra program features four core string instruments: violins, violas, cellos, and basses. We begin by teaching students the fundamentals of music reading and playing, then advance them through the program as they master key skills.
Our program is made up of six classes across grades 6–8:
Growth & EnrollmentSince the 2022–23 school year, the RHMS Orchestra has experienced tremendous growth. Enrollment for the 2025–26 school year has reached 172 students—a 145% increase in just three school years. This growth is fueled by a 90%+ student retention rate and consistent 20%+ annual enrollment growth.
A Brief History
The RHMS Orchestra began in 2006, founded by Dr. Emery Warnock as an after-school chamber music club. In 2013, orchestra officially became part of the RHMS Fine Arts curriculum, with just 15 enrolled students.
Since then, the program has flourished. In the 2023–24 school year, we celebrated several milestones:
Previously, in 2022 and 2023, the orchestra earned Excellent ratings at LGPE. Another major milestone occurred in 2021 with the opening of our first dedicated orchestra rehearsal hall.
Home of the largest school orchestra program in Southeast Georgia.
At RHMS, our orchestra program features four core string instruments: violins, violas, cellos, and basses. We begin by teaching students the fundamentals of music reading and playing, then advance them through the program as they master key skills.
Our program is made up of six classes across grades 6–8:
- 6th Grade Beginning Orchestra
- 7th Grade Beginning/Intermediate Orchestra
- 7th Grade Advanced Orchestra
- 8th Grade Intermediate Orchestra
- 8th Grade Advanced Orchestra
- Chamber Orchestra
Growth & EnrollmentSince the 2022–23 school year, the RHMS Orchestra has experienced tremendous growth. Enrollment for the 2025–26 school year has reached 172 students—a 145% increase in just three school years. This growth is fueled by a 90%+ student retention rate and consistent 20%+ annual enrollment growth.
A Brief History
The RHMS Orchestra began in 2006, founded by Dr. Emery Warnock as an after-school chamber music club. In 2013, orchestra officially became part of the RHMS Fine Arts curriculum, with just 15 enrolled students.
Since then, the program has flourished. In the 2023–24 school year, we celebrated several milestones:
- Our first All-State Orchestra performer
- Our first Superior rating at the GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE)
Previously, in 2022 and 2023, the orchestra earned Excellent ratings at LGPE. Another major milestone occurred in 2021 with the opening of our first dedicated orchestra rehearsal hall.
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
November 7/8 - GMEA District 1 Honor Orchestra at RHHS
December 3/4 - Elementary Recruitment Visits (Chamber Only)
December 9 - Celebrate the Arts 6pm at RHMS
December 11 - Airport Performance (Selected 8th Grade Students)
January 10 - All-State Second Round Auditions in Atlanta
January 27 - Mid-Winter Concert (6pm) at RHHS
February 19 - Pre-LGPE Concert (7pm) with the HS at RHHS
February 24 - LGPE at Garrison School of the Arts in Savannah
March 5-7 - All-State Honor Orchestra in Athens
March 9 &11 - Rental Night (new members)
April 18 - Solo and Ensemble at RHHS
May 4 - Spring Concert at (6pm) RHHS
December 3/4 - Elementary Recruitment Visits (Chamber Only)
December 9 - Celebrate the Arts 6pm at RHMS
December 11 - Airport Performance (Selected 8th Grade Students)
January 10 - All-State Second Round Auditions in Atlanta
January 27 - Mid-Winter Concert (6pm) at RHHS
February 19 - Pre-LGPE Concert (7pm) with the HS at RHHS
February 24 - LGPE at Garrison School of the Arts in Savannah
March 5-7 - All-State Honor Orchestra in Athens
March 9 &11 - Rental Night (new members)
April 18 - Solo and Ensemble at RHHS
May 4 - Spring Concert at (6pm) RHHS
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