About Walton Orchestra

The Walton High School Orchestra program was founded in 1975. The orchestra program has a long history of excellence. Directed by Perry Holbrook and Sara Grimes, the program currently enrolls just shy of 400 string players in six string orchestra classes.

Orchestra Program Philosophy

For students who seek to challenge their brains in a different way and who desire an oasis of creativity that can deliver a sense of peace during the academic day, Walton Orchestra provides expert instruction to ensure the ability to learn, no matter what your current experience or desired level may be.

Student Gains

Students will improve communication and social skills and increase their enjoyment of music while being given the opportunity to pursue music achievement and excellence with a diverse community of learners.

Focused on enrichment and community, Walton Orchestra fosters positive peer experiences and the development of a lifelong appreciation of music.

View our awards and accomplishments.

Walton Orchestra Objectives

Objectives include:

Cultural- to foster the continued developed of music appreciation and understanding through the study and performance of quality musical literature

Educational– to develop interested and discriminating listeners, provided a well-rounded music education, and prepare students for musical activities beyond high school.

Service– to lend support and atmosphere to certain school and community affairs while promoting and enhancing the dignity and reputation of Walton High School at all appearances.

Citizenship- to develop the ability to function as a responsible member of the group, to enhance the student’s ability to interact with others in a positive manner, and to develop the ability to function as a responsible member of the community.

Recreational- to provide students with the opportunity for worthy use of leisure time.

Walton Raider Orchestra Guild, WROG, Inc.

Walton Raider Orchestra Guild, Inc (WROG) is a non-profit 501©(3) organization dedicated to the service of the students, faculty and friends of the Walton High School Orchestras.

WROG board is comprised of members of the Walton orchestras. Goals of WROG are:

To provide opportunities for the students in the orchestra program to develop proficiency, reliability, integrity, discipline and excellence.
To provide administrative assistance to the music directors.
To help ensure the future success of the Walton High School Orchestra through fundraising and general support.

Walton High School

Walton High School is a neighborhood, public, four-year comprehensive high school with a strong college-preparatory program. It is located in eastern Cobb County, twenty miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. Walton benefits from a stable upper-class community with high expectations for its children and distinct pride in its schools.

Opened in 1975, Walton currently enrolls 2615 students. Over 99% of Walton’s graduates attend post-secondary institutions.

Walton High School has been named a National School of Excellence twice, first in 1984 and most recently in 2007. In 1998 Walton became Cobb County’s first Charter High School. Walton’s reputation for excellence was publicized nationwide in U.S. News and World Report listed Walton as one of the top 100 high schools in the nation. Additionally, in the January 18, 1999 issue of U.S. News and Report, Walton was one of six featured schools identified from among 96 “Outstanding American High Schools.”

Walton students have been afforded unique opportunities for international study, enriching their classroom experiences. AP Spanish students study at the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in Spain; AP French students study in Paris. AP European students study at Oxford University in Cambridge, England.

The Walton Orchestra has performed and studied in Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic.