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 Orchestra

Under the leadership of Dawna Demster, 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 Jilaine Jarvis, 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.

Beginning Violin Class

Taught by one of the area's finest professional string instructors, students participate in a weekly ensemble rehearsal and private lesson.  These young budding musicians perform during the spring concert in May and also enjoy all the benefits of membership in the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus organization.

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 Newsletter here:  Fall Newsletter

Download the Spring Newsletter here:  Spring Newsletter