Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra rehearsals are complete for the 2025-2026 school year.  Good luck to our  8th Graders as they head to high school!!  

CONGRATULATIONS to the Dodgen MS Chamber Orchestra for their OUTSTANDING Midwest Clinic Performance in Chicago!!!  That was the best performance by the Chamber Orchestra.  It was so musical and expressive.  

Chamber Orchestra Audition Information for the 2026-2027 School Year

Auditions will be held BEFORE SCHOOL on May 11-15 in the Orchestra Room.  If you would like to sign-up to audition, see Mrs. Champion in class or before school.  

Audition Requirements:

Violin---2 octave D Major and 2 octave A Major scale and arpeggio. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)

Viola/Cello---2 octave G Major and 2 octave D Major scale and arpeggio. (Scales and arpeggios must be memorized)

Bass---2 octave F Major Scale and arpeggio

In addition to scales and arpeggio requirements, students must play a 30-second excerpt of a piece that they are working on.   There will also be sight-reading in the audition. 

The Dodgen Chamber Orchestra

The Dodgen Chamber Orchestra is an elite, audition-only ensemble for any interested 6th-8th grade orchestra student.  Chamber Orchestra has performed at invitation-only events at the state and national level.   In 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2024, the Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the Georgia Music Educator's Association In-Service Conference(the highest musical honor in the state).  In 2017, the Dodgen Chamber Orchestra won FIRST PLACE in the National Orchestra Festival---Middle School Division.  In 2019, the Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the United Nations in New York City.   In March 2020, the Chamber Orchestra performed at the National Orchestra Festival in Orlando, FL.  In March 2025, the Chamber Orchestra earned Third Place--Middle School Division in the National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta.  In December 2025, the Dodgen Chamber Orchestra performed at The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, IL.   And in March 2027, the Dodgen Chamber Orchestra has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall in NYC.  

     This ensemble is not only made up of outstanding musicians, but students who are mature and able to abide by a higher expectation that the average middle school student, with little parent guidance in regards to preparation and communication of information. All students accepted into Chamber Orchestra will be expected to attend rehearsals and any trips planned with the ensemble. Because it is such a small, elite group, full participation is expected from each and every member. Students will complete a membership contract, signed along with parental support. Please note, since Chamber Orchestra is an extracurricular ensemble, students may be removed at the discretion of the director at any time.