Future Orchestra Members

Orchestra Classes Offered at Cambridge

All orchestra classes at Cambridge High School are open to students 9th-12th grade, and meet as a regularly scheduled class during the school day. Every orchestra performs 4-5 concerts a year. There is a prerequisite of at least one year of previous experience on violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp, or permission of the instructor. 

Symphonic Orchestra: This ensemble does NOT require an audition! Everyone who meets the prerequisites is welcome to take this class. Symphonic Orchestra performs at GMEA Level III. Practice at home is expected. 

Philharmonic Orchestra: This ensemble is an auditioned group. Students will be expected to demonstrate technical skills needed to perform GMEA Level IV music. Practice at home is expected. 

Chamber Orchestra: This is our most advanced orchestra at Cambridge. Students will be expected to demonstrate advanced technical skills needed to perform GMEA Level V music. Practice at home is required. Chamber Orchestra students have additional performance opportunities.  

Current School Year

If you are a mid-year transfer student to Cambridge High School with at least one year of experience on violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp, we'd love to welcome you to the orchestra program! At your registration meeting, tell your counselor that you are interested in taking orchestra. Students interested in being part of our two auditioned groups (Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestra) will complete a short audition with Mrs. Justice to determine the most appropriate placement. 

2026-2027 School Year (Rising Freshmen and Transfer Students)

Students not currently enrolled in 8th grade at Hopewell Middle School or Northwestern Middle School who want to join orchestra should email Mrs. Justice at JusticeE@fultonschools.org to ensure they receive important communications about auditions and summer orchestra activities. 

Registration for classes for next school year takes place in February for students currently enrolled in middle school in Fulton County. During the registration process, all orchestra students are placed into 'Beginning Orchestra I' as a placeholder course regardless of playing ability. After auditions are completed in late March, Mrs. Justice will send the CHS counselors the final placement results. 

Students interested in auditioning for Philharmonic Orchestra and/or Chamber Orchestra must submit a video audition consisting of scales and a short excerpt (audition materials will be released in mid-February). An audition for Chamber Orchestra also counts for Philharmonic Orchestra - i.e. if you are not ready for Chamber Orchestra you will be automatically considered for Philharmonic Orchestra with the same audition. 

Any new orchestra student who is accepted to the GMEA All-State Orchestra for 2026 will be automatically offered a spot in Chamber Orchestra.