Orchestra & Guitar

Marietta High Orchestra students rehearse and perform orchestral repertoire from a variety of genres and historical periods, preparing for concerts, competitions, honor ensembles, and other musical events while building the skills and confidence needed for lifelong musicianship.

We offer three classes - Sinfonia Orchestra (intermediate), Philharmonic Orchestra (Advanced), and Chamber Orchestra (Mastery). Students are placed in the ensemble that best suits their current abilities and aspirations while providing opportunities for continued growth. Each class is designed to develop students' technical skills on violin, viola, cello, or double bass, while fostering musical literacy and ensemble performance abilities.

The program balances musical excellence with an engaging and supportive learning environment, allowing students to be challenged while taking pride in their achievements and performances throughout each concert cycle.

Students in the Marietta High Orchestra program participate in the District 12 Honor Orchestra, Georgia All-State Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Georgia Governor's Honors Program.

The goal of guitar class is to teach students how to play guitar, and the class is taught by a professional guitar player. Students will learn guitar fundamentals, basic theory, chords, songwriting, improvisation, and ensemble skills. The guitar is a versatile instrument and is used in a wide variety of styles. We will explore the contributions of famous guitarists and many musical genres. 

Erik Herndon is a music educator, performer, and guitarist based in Marietta, Georgia. With more than four decades of experience as a musician and extensive classroom experience in orchestra and guitar education, Erik is committed to building programs where students experience both artistic excellence and genuine joy in music-making.

Erik has led many workshops, clinics, and presentations throughout his career and is an active composer whose works are currently performed. He maintains professional membership with the Georgia Music Educators Association and the American String Teachers Association.

As a performer, Erik's musical roots span jazz, punk rock, indie rock, and R&B, influences that inform his teaching. He has performed in numerous bands over the years and continues to gig while maintaining an active teaching career.

Erik believes music education is about far more than notes and technique; it is about cultivating discipline, emotional expression, healthy relationships, and the shared experience of creating something meaningful together. His classrooms are spaces where students work hard, support one another, and leave each day with a deeper understanding of themselves and their capacity to grow.

Email | 770-428-2631 VM:8490
 

• October 7^th - Rehearsal after school (All Classes)
• October 8^th - Fall Concert (All Classes)
• November 13^th - Orchestra String Day (Sinfonia & Philharmonic)
• November 14^th - Orchestra 10 Year Celebration (All Classes)
• December 4^th - Holiday Concert (All Classes)
• December 9^th & 10^th - Rehearsal after school (Chamber only)
• December 11^th - Winter Celebration (Chamber only)
• January 21-22^nd - KSU Invitational (Chamber Only)
• February 8-10^th - LGPE, Day and Time TBD (Sinfonia)
• March 9-11^th - LGPE, Day and Time TBD (Chamber and Philharmonic)
• April 26^th - Chamber Recital (Student Solos)
• May 3^rd - Rehearsal after school (All Classes)
• May 4^th - Spring Concert (All Classes)