Welcome to the Georgia Symphony Orchestra (CSO)

Ensembles

Symphony Orchestra

The Symphony Orchestra is the most advanced orchestral ensemble in the GYSO program. Directed by Grant Harville, Symphony performs professional-level works from a variety of classical eras. Recent performances have included works of Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Haydn, Beethoven, and Turina, as well as newly commissioned works. Symphony also performs with professional soloists from the Atlanta area, including recently Kenn Wagner (violin), Helen Kim (violin), Tom Hooten (trumpet), and Charae Kruger (cello). Symphony members are eligible for the GYSO&C Concerto Competition.

Philharmonia

Directed by Christopher Thibdeau, Philharmonia performs professional-level and advanced educational works for full orchestra. Recent performances have included works of Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams, Bizet, Telemann, and Bernstein. Philharmonia students are eligible for the GYSO&C Concerto Competition.

Camerata

Directed by Richard Bell, Camerata is the youngest full orchestra in the GYSO&C program. Camerata repertoire consists of educational works, including original compositions for student orchestra and transcriptions of pieces from the classical canon.

Sinfonia

Directed by Whitney Tilney, Sinfonia is the youngest orchestra in the GYSO&C program. Sinfonia performs educational works, both original compositions and transcriptions, for string orchestra.

Percussion Ensemble

The Percussion Ensemble provides advanced high school and middle school percussionists with the opportunity to develop and improve ensemble skills on a wide variety of instruments under the guidance of John Lawless. In addition to performing works from the published percussion ensemble repertoire, students also have the opportunity to write works for the ensemble.

Jazz Ensemble

Directed by Sam Skelton, the GYSO&C Jazz Ensemble performs a wide variety of jazz styles with a standard big band instrumentation. Members also have opportunities to perform in a combo setting.

Chorus

The High School Chorus and Middle School Chorus are directed by Alison Mann. The Choruses perform both separately and together, as well as joining the Georgia Symphony Orchestra Chorus on the GSO's annual Holiday Pops concert. Repertoire includes music in a variety of classical and popular styles. In 2011, the GYSO Chorus collaborated with the Kennesaw State Opera in a performance of Hansel and Gretel.