Philharmonia

The AHS Philharmonia offers opportunities for intermediate-level performers to increase performance skills and precision on orchestral stringed instruments. Covers performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, historical and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music. Organizes objectives for self-paced progress through all four levels. Stresses individual progress and group experiences. The AHS Philharmonia will perform String Orchestra literature. Students in this orchestra are expected to have advanced level technique on their instrument including shifting 1st through 3rd positions as well as vibrato. Rehearsals are daily during 2ND period. Literature will consist of GMEA Level IV, V string orchestra literature. Proficiency in all one and two-octave major scales and arpeggios is expected as well as selected two-octave melodic minor scales and arpeggios. Students will gain proficiency in three octave major scales up to 4 sharps and flats including position work up to 5th position. Students will be taught personal diagnostic skills for individual practice and improvement purposes. This orchestra will perform at the Fall, Winter, GMEA Preview, GMEA LGPE, Cluster and Spring Concerts as well as selected community events during the year. Students also have the opportunity to perform at GMEA Solo and Ensemble Performance Evaluation, audition for GMEA All-State and Fulton County Honor Orchestra.

Sinfonia

The AHS Sinfonia provides opportunities for advanced-level performers to increase performance skills and precision on orchestral stringed instruments. Covers performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, historical and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music. Organizes objectives for self-paced progress through all four levels. Stresses individual progress and group experiences. The AHS Sinfonia will perform String Orchestra literature. Students in this orchestra are expected to have advanced level technique on their instrument including shifting 1st through 5th positions as well as vibrato. Rehearsals are daily during 3rd period. Literature will consist of GMEA Level IV and V string orchestra literature. Proficiency in all two and three octave major scales and arpeggios is expected as well as selected two and three-octave melodic minor scales and arpeggios. Students will be taught personal diagnostic skills for individual practice and improvement purposes. This orchestra will perform at the Fall, Winter, GMEA Preview, GMEA LGPE, Cluster and Spring Concerts as well as selected community events during the year. Students also have the opportunity to perform at GMEA Solo and Ensemble Performance Evaluation, audition for GMEA All-State and Fulton County Honor Orchestra.

Symphony

The AHS Symphony is the school’s premier performing arts ensemble offering and provides opportunities for mastery-level performers to increase performance skills and precision on orchestral stringed instruments. Covers performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, historical and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music. Organizes objectives for self-paced progress through all four levels. Stresses individual progress and group experiences. The AHS Symphony Orchestra is a Full Symphony Orchestra and requires the highest of skill and ability on your instrument.  Rehearsals are daily during 4th period. Full Symphony Orchestra rehearsals will be held once per week during 4th period. Students in this orchestra are expected to be independent as well as group workers.

Literature will consist of level GMEA Level V and VI literature in both String and Full Orchestra.  Opportunities exist for solo and ensemble as well as concerto literature.  Students will be taught personal diagnostic skills for individual practice and improvement purposes.

Students in Symphony Orchestra must be able to travel with the orchestra when it performs locally, statewide or nationally.  Opportunities for fund raising will be provided to assist in defraying travel expenses.

Chamber

The AHS Chamber orchestra is the school’s elite level orchestra offering and provides opportunities for mastery-level performers to demonstrate the highest performance skills and precision on orchestral stringed instruments.

Literature will consist of level GMEA Level VI literature and beyond for string orchestra.  Rehearsals are daily during 7th period.