Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus

Providing young instrumentalists the highest quality orchestral experience.

Training young musicians in Columbus, GA since 1993. Four programs, one hundred-plus students, thirty-plus schools across the region.

At The Heart

Students at the heart
of every program.

YOGC student musicians performing

String section in concert. February 2026.

YOGC string section in performance

Woodwind section.

YOGC orchestra performance

Symphonic orchestra at performance.

We provide opportunities for young people to learn, perform, and enjoy classical music in Columbus, Georgia and the surrounding Valley area.
Programs

Find the right ensemble.

Middle school strings. Violin, viola, cello. Directed by Jim Palmer and Laszlo Stan. For young musicians building their first ensemble experience.

High school full orchestra. Strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion. Directed by Jim Palmer. The pinnacle ensemble for advanced young musicians.

New 2024-25. Bradley-Turner Foundation grant. Muscogee County School District students nominated by their Music Directors. Small-group coaching plus ensemble. Directed by Laszlo Stan.

Small-group performance for advanced students. Concerts plus community events. By invitation or audition.

Summer String Camp

One week.
Everything ahead.

First week of June. Fifty-plus students, multiple coaches from across Georgia, no audition required for next season. The week IS the audition.

In the Media

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast

Our Music Director, Jim Palmer, is featured on The Orchestra Teacher Podcast. Watch the full conversation below.

The Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus segment begins around the 37-minute mark.