General Information

Programs
The Board of Directors and staff are committed to offering an appropriate placement to every student who seeks to participate. Over 150 students now join the orchestras, ensembles, and camps each year. The current population consists of students from nine different counties in Georgia and Alabama.

Youth Symphony Orchestra
Under the leadership of James Palmer, the Youth Orchestra presents three major programs each year at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts including educational concerts for Muscogee County public school students. In addition, the YOGC performed its first annual Pops Dinner concert in 2004.

String Orchestra
Under the direction of James Palmer, the String Orchestra brings together over 30 young string players focused upon individual technique and learning to play as an ensemble. The String Orchestra presents two major concerts each year and performs at the annual Pops concert.

Chamber Music Program
Students are selected for ensemble groups to include string, brass, and woodwind ensembles. The program runs in two semesters during the year and includes coaching and a spring recital.

Summer String Camp
The Summer String Camp offers string musicians an opportunity to develop their abilities by working closely with some of the area's finest musicians and educators. This week-long camp is held in June at Columbus State University Schwob School of Music and the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Musicians of all levels of skill are welcome. The daily schedule includes sectional and full ensemble rehearsals as well as technique and music theory classes.

Facility
The Youth Orchestra's administrative office is located at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and the YOGC rehearses weekly at the Schwob School of Music. The Youth Orchestra organization enjoys a special relationship with the RiverCenter and Columbus State University and acknowledges their support.

Newsletters
We publish two newsletters per year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring.

Download the Fall 2008 Newsletter here: Fall Newsletter