Music Director's Corner Leadership Rehearsal Information Forms Concert Recordings Guest Artists Ensembles Online Conservatory

Dear Georgia Youth Symphony and Chorus Community,

It is with great excitement that we begin this new season. It seems like it was only a few days ago, that we saw each and every one of you at your audition. Please read below for some important information for the beginning of the year.

Rehearsal Schedule

The year begins on August 30 for instrumentalists and September 1 for singers. Please see below for rehearsal times.

All schedules can be found online HERE.

Special Welcome to Dr. Peter Lemonds
Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra: Philharmonia

Dr. Lemonds joins the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus artistic staff as Music Director for Philharmonia. Dr. Lemonds is currently Co-Director of Orchestras at Duluth  High School where he has served as chairman of the Fine Arts Department.  In addition, he has served as the Georgia Music Educator's District 13 Orchestra chairman and is currently high school lead teacher for Orchestra programs in the Gwinnett County Public Schools.

He has had a varied career as a performing cellist, conductor, and educator, performing numerous concerts as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, England, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Mexico and Korea.  He was an assistant professor of music at the University of Southern Mississippi, and served on the faculty of the Sewanee Summer Music Center.  He has directed the orchestra program for the Georgia Governor's Honors Program and has taught at the Paideia School (as founder and director of the orchestra program), the Lovett School, Wheeler High School, East Cobb Middle School, North Gwinnett High School and Duluth Middle School. learn more>>>

Parents Meeting

A parents meeting will be held at the first rehearsal in order to bring everyone together for our season kick off.

For those families with students in Sinfonia, Camerata, Jazz, and Camerata Winds, the meeting will be held at the Murray Arts Center from 4:45 pm - 5:15 pm.

For those families with students in Symphony, Philharmonia, Percussion Ensemble, the meeting will be held at Kennesaw State University from 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm.

For those families with students in Middle School and High School Chorus, the meeting will be held at First United Methodist Church from 6:15 pm - 6:45 pm.

Hope to see you there!

 Paperwork and Tuition

In the student handbook, families can find most of the information that they need to have a successful year in the program. At the end of this document are a few forms that each family needs to fill out together and bring with them to the first rehearsal. They are a Student Contract and a Medical Liability and Release Form. 

The 2009 - 2010 student handbook can be found HERE.

The first installment of tuition will be accepted until September 13. Credit Cards and Checks are accepted. Checks should be made payable to "Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus." Payments can be made in person at rehearsals, over the phone by calling (770) 429 - 7016, or by visiting or mailing to our offices: 2250 Stilesboro Road, Kennesaw, GA 30152.

It is our policy that no student will be left out due to financial matters. We understand that tough economic climate, and if your family would like to be considered for a scholarship, please complete the Financial Aid form found HERE.

Labor Day Picnic and Social

The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is a community of close to 450 students and their families, and we would like to invite you to socialize with families and friends throughout the program. The event will be held on Sunday September 6th from 2pm to 4pm and will include food, games, and a good time. This is also the chance for students to become involved in the newly formed GYSO&C Student Leadership committee.