Prospective Students

Thank you for considering Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts as the next step in nurturing your passion, dedication, and focus on strings music. Stilwell's program is designed to nurture the whole student and focus on the skill sets necessary to be a successful musical member of a global society. Auditions are open to students in 8th and 9th grades. Audition and application information can be found below.

Audition Materials

Link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aTEWRR5FW2A5m_ToiNnM54FMxDXIaTbQ?usp=sharing

A highly successful orchestra program...

- - Provides a variety of musical & social experiences.
  - Expects high musical standards and execution.
  - Creates a culture of success.
  - Supports and values the learning process rather than the outcome.
  - Implements highly effective planning, communication, and expectations.
  - Includes a large number of active participants.
  - Has students taking private lessons outside of school.
  - Has many students involved in “extras”, such as youth orchestras, solo & ensemble, camps, etc.
  - Has strong parental involvement.
  - Receives community and administrative support.
  - Develops a great sense of pride and ownership.

Creating a Culture of Success

- - Performances on some of the world's most prestigious stages such as Carnegie Hall
  - GMEA All-State acceptance
  - LGPE Superior Ratings on levels IV-VI programs
  - All-National acceptance
  - Governor's Honors acceptance
  - Collaboration with professional orchestras such as Orchestra Noir
  - Acceptance into music schools such as Curtis, Peabody, Oberlin, Jacobs, Georgia State, Valdosta State, and many more

Performance Opportunities

- - Concerts
    - - Recruitment
      - Winter/Spring concerts
      - Performance Hours
      - Groove Sessions
      - Orchestra Showcases
  - Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE)
  - Solo & Small Ensemble Festival
  - All-State Orchestra
  - All-National Symphony Orchestra
  - Governor’s Honors Program
  - Stilwell Chamber Orchestra
  - Small Ensembles (trio's quartets, quintets)
  - School-wide Musical (where orchestration requires strings).
  - Coaching

Student Life

- - Field trips (ASO, concerts, etc.)
  - Performance Trips (Orlando, Carnegie Hall, etc.)
  - Group Building Events
  - Leadership (Teaching Assistants, Coaching, Section Leaders)
  - Librarians
  - Rehearsal Managers
  - Tech Crew
  - Social Media
  - T-Shirts
  - Graduation Regalia