Walton High School is a public,
four-year, comprehensive high school with a strong
college-preparatory program. It is located in eastern
Cobb County, a suburban middle-class residential
community within the greater metropolitan Atlanta area.
As a comprehensive high school, Walton endeavors to meet
the educational needs and expectations of all students.
The orchestra program at Walton began
when the school opened in 1975 with an initial
enrollment of four students. Growth has been both
steady and sustained.
The orchestras are under the direction of
Walton’s eighth director, Perry Holbrook, who was named
Director of Orchestras at Walton in 2001. Since 2003
Rebecca Dosch, Walton’s second assistant orchestra
director, has assisted him. Together, they provide a
comprehensive string education for 200+ Orchestra
students and 25+ AP Music students on a daily basis.
Concert Orchestra (Walton Course #6806) is
an intermediate string ensemble for freshman students
who play violin, viola, cello or double bass. The
techniques of string playing are stressed within the
context of music performance (Georgia Level III or IV
music difficulty). Rehearsals are held during the
curricular school day, with an occasional afternoon
rehearsal before concerts. Performances are usually in
the evening.
Serenade (Walton Course #6809) is
an intermediate to advanced string ensemble for
sophomore, junior, or senior students who play violin,
viola, cello or double bass. The techniques of string
playing are stressed within the context of music
performance (Georgia Level III or IV music difficulty).
Rehearsals are held during the curricular school day,
with an occasional afternoon rehearsal before concerts.
Performances are usually in the evening.
Sinfonia (Walton Course #6807) is
an advanced orchestra for violin, viola, cello and
double bass students. Admission to this group is by
audition only. Advanced techniques of string playing
are stressed within the context of music performance
(Georgia Level IV, V, or VI music difficulty). After
school or evening rehearsals may be required in addition
to several evening concerts. Private lessons are
recommended.
Philharmonia (Walton Course
#6808) is
Walton’s most advanced orchestra. This award-winning
group performs standard, professional, orchestral,
string, and chamber music repertoire at the highest
level of difficulty. Admission to this group is by
audition only. Woodwind, brass and percussionists from the
Symphonic I Band may join the strings to form a
full orchestra. After school or evening rehearsals are
required in addition to evening concerts. Private
lessons are strongly recommended.
Over the years, the orchestras of Walton
High School have performed around the world. Walton
High School has been invited to perform at the
prestigious
Midwest Clinic three times and have performed
at the
GMEA
State Convention six times. The Walton High
Philharmonia has received straight "Superior" ratings at
the GMEA District XII Large Group Evaluation for 20+
years. Please see our listing of
honors and awards.
Additionally, the Walton Music Program has earned distinction as a Grammy Signature School from the Grammy
Foundation (2001).
Individual members of the Walton High
School Orchestras participate in the Georgia High School
All-State Orchestra, Governor's Honors Program, Cobb
County High School Honors Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony
Youth Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra,
Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Buckhead Youth
Symphony Orchestra.
The orchestras of Walton High School are
fortunate to receive a tremendous amount of
encouragement and support from their parental
volunteers, the Walton community, and the administration
of Walton High School.
