ABOUT THE Northwestern M.S. Orchestra

Northwestern Orchestra students begin instruction in the sixth grade and complete a three year curriculum before moving into high school orchestra. Students need no prior experience to join orchestra at the beginning of sixth grade, just willing enthusiasm to learn! Each year the developing performance skills are cumulative, therefore beginners are not accepted at the seventh or eighth grade level without a successful audition. The Northwestern Orchestra performed at the 2022 Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) In Service Conference (see photos here). The Orchestra program is also the 2017 recipient of the GMEA Exemplary Performance Award. Students in the Northwestern Orchestra are selected for the District Honor Orchestra and the GMEA All State Orchestra every year. The Seventh Grade travels to Carowinds to perform and the Eighth Grade Orchestra performs at Disney World in Orlando. Seventh and Eighth grade orchestras are required to participate in GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation. Students also have the opportunity to participate in GMEA Solo and Ensemble Performance Evaluation in the spring. All students are required to attend three evening concerts per school year and are expected to practice outside of class in order to keep progressing. Students also complete occasional written and playing assessments. For any questions about the NMS Orchestra program, use this link or contact Mrs. Clayman. ClaymanE@FultonSchools.org.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Elaine Clayman will be starting her 11th year in public education at Northwestern Middle School this year. She taught at Holcomb Bridge Middle School previously. She has experience beyond middle school with the Music and Arts after school program focusing on elementary school beginners. Elaine started her career with the Peggy Still School of music (Later North Fulton School of Music) teaching private lessons of all ages and abilities. While there she helped create a continuous string curriculum for students to follow ensuring success. Elaine is currently serving as the GMEA district 5 orchestra department chair where she assists with all GMEA orchestra events and coordinates with other GMEA leaders. When Elaine isn't teaching she is spending time with her husband and son (Sylvester)

Contact Mrs. Clayman here: ClaymanE@FultonSchools.org.