The orchestra at Sandy Creek High is in high demand this year, having been selected to perform at national and state events starting this fall and into 2018.

The orchestra is one of six in the state selected for Georgia State University’s Orchestra Festival in October. The event features master classes with Georgia State University faculty, as well as workshops in various music styles, and the use of the Electric Strings Lab. Orchestras are selected through an application process, which includes a recorded audition.

The group will also perform at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference. Being selected to perform at the conference is the highest honor a musical group can receive in Georgia. The orchestra will perform for music educators across the state on January 26 in Athens.

In addition to the Georgia State University Orchestra Festival, the Sandy Creek High orchestra has been selected to perform at the National Orchestra Festival taking place in Atlanta March 8-9. The festival brings together orchestras from around the country to a single location in order to provide an opportunity to receive placement, ratings, comments, and education from leading clinicians and adjudicators in the industry. Orchestras are selected to participate based on their application and supporting materials.

Orchestra teacher Kelly Gallman says she is proud of her students for their commitment and dedication to their art. “These are all big events; we are honored to have been selected for them,” Gallman says.