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CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
Young K. Kim, Director

 
 

The Centennial High School Orchestra, in its twelfth year, has been invited to perform in numerous important events. Past performances include invitational performances at the Governor's Mansion for Governor Zell Miller and his guests during holiday seasons; performances for the U.S. Congressman Tom Price, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and for Governor Roy Barnes in numerous government-related functions; performances for the Superintendent and the principals in Georgia; invitational performance at the USPTF; performances at the Universal Studios and Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida; and performances in Austria and Germany (2001) and Italy - Rome, Florence, Assisi, Perugia, Cremona, and Venice (2005). The orchestra will travel this year (2009) to Prague, Budapest, Eisenstadt, and Vienna.

The Centennial High School Orchestra has twice performed at the GMEA In-Service Conference in Savannah, Georgia (2000, 2005) and is invited to perform for the third time in Januray of 2009.

In 2002, the Centennial High School Orchestra was the only high school orchestra in America chosen to perform at the 58th MENC-Music Educators National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Another important performance includes performing at the prestigious Midwest Clinic-An International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago (2005). Other recognition includes the receiving of the performance grant by the Fulton County Arts Council for the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 school year.

Individual members of the Centennial High School Orchestra participate in the Georgia High School All-State Orchestra, Governor's Honors Program, Fulton County High School Honors Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Buckhead Youth Symphony Orchestra. The students also participate in the GMEA Solo & Ensemble Festivals. The Centennial High School Orchestra has received straight "Superior" ratings at the GMEA District V Large Group Evaluation every year since the opening of the school in 1997.

 
Description of Orchestra Classes:
 
The Centennial High School "Chamber Orchestra" is a performance group comprised mostly of upper classmen. The students are selected based on talent, skills, and achievement, with the understanding that there will be out-of-school performances and rehearsals required of all members during the school year. The students are eligible to be a member through auditions and with the approval of the Director. The course will cover the mechanics of string instruments: note reading, rhythm, pitch discrimination, expression, and music literacy at a higher level. Students receive one hour elective credit for all music courses.
 
The Centennial High School "Philharmonia Orchestra" is a performance group comprised of 9th through 12th grade students. The students are selected through auditions and/or with the approval of the Orchestra Director. The students are selected based on talent, skills, and achievement, with the understanding that there will be out-of-school performances and rehearsals required of all members during the school year. The course will cover the mechanics of string instruments: note reading, rhythm, pitch discrimination, expression, and music literacy at a higher level. Students receive one hour elective credit for all music courses.
 
Centennial High School Symphony Orchestra :
This is a full-orchestra that includes students from strings, winds, and percussion. The wind and percussion students in this orchestra are a group of selected students from CHS Band through auditions and/or recommendation from the Director. The CHS Symphony Orchestra will rehearse once a week in the evenings.
 
Chamber Strings :
Chamber Strings is a selected ensemble that comprises members of the Centennial High Orchestra that performs in special ensemble settings. The students are chosen based on their musical skills, dependability, and the commitment for success. The members of the Chamber Strings will sometimes be asked to perform at functions with a short notice; therefore, the students must be flexible. Additional rehearsals may be required.
 
Other String Ensembles (String Quartet, etc...):
All students are encouraged to participate in small chamber ensembles, such as string quartets, quintets, trios, fiddle group, etc.... The students' musical understandings and appreciation about the composers and their work will be much enhanced through the performing of chamber music. The students will benefit much both musically and socially by participating in small ensembles. The students will generally rehearse before and/or after school.