Musician Focussed

Programs and resources provided to develop a student over their high school phase of musical growth

Forward Thinking

Improving each student’s musicianship through a comprehensive curriculum, challenging scores, and fun

World Travelers

The LHSO played in France, New York, Dallas, Washington DC, and Chicago to name a few places

Musician Support

Multiple ways to improve one’s musical skills through classroom instruction, clinics with string professionals, and the Lassiter String Academy

Number of Students

Number of Orchestras

Fun Quotient

Our Story

The Lassiter Orchestra Program is a Grammy Signature School (2000) and is widely recognized as one of the finest high school orchestra programs in the nation. The Lassiter Orchestra is frequently invited to perform at conferences and competitions across the nation. In 2001 and 2008 respectively, the Lassiter Symphony and Lassiter Chamber Orchestra were selected to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. This is the most prestigious honor a band or orchestra can receive. The Lassiter Symphony was also selected to perform for the 2003, 2006, and 2014 Georgia Music Educator’s Conference in Savannah. In 2007 the Lassiter Chamber Orchestra and Lassiter String Ensemble competed in New York City at the Lincoln Center’s National Orchestra Cup. The Lassiter Chamber Orchestra won Grand Champion of the competition and Best String Section. Both orchestras have been invited back to New York to perform for the 2016 National Orchestra Cup.

Other honors include an invitation to perform for Disney’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, a performance at the Lincoln Memorial and a clinic with the United States Army’s Strolling Strings (the White House’s performing string ensemble), and a 2010 invitation and clinic with the U.S. Air Force Band and Strolling Strings at Bolling AFB. In 2004 the Orchestra competed in the American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival in Dallas, Texas placing in the country’s top 3 orchestras where they presented an Encore Performance to conclude the ASTA Conference. In 2007 and 2008 the Lassiter Orchestra was invited to perform on stage with the internationally acclaimed, Barrage, to a sold out crowd. In 2015, the Lassiter Orchestra  traveled to France, performing at the American Cemetery in Normandy and the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris.

Lassiter Orchestras

Lassiter Orchestras

For 2023-2024, there are 4 skill-based orchestra classes that meet daily: Concert Orchestra, Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Chamber Orchestra.  The Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Chamber Orchestra require an audition for placement. The 2023-2024 audition materials can be found here. Please email our director, Dr. Charles Laux, further information.

Lassiter Concert Orchestra

Lassiter Concert Orchestra

The Concert Orchestra is the first level intermediate orchestra. The content of this course includes instruction in performance techniques with emphasis placed on technical and musical skills through the study of rudimentary exercises and mainly level 2-3 string orchestra repertoire. Individual practice outside of class time is necessary for successful mastery of performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: Beg Orchestra, Grades 9-12] Prerequisite: previous orchestra experience or teacher recommendation.

Lassiter Philharmonia Orchestra

Lassiter Philharmonia Orchestra

The Philharmonia Orchestra is the second level intermediate orchestra. The content of this course includes instruction in performance techniques with emphasis placed on technical and musical skills through the study of rudimentary exercises and mainly level 3-4 string orchestra repertoire. Individual practice outside of class time is necessary for successful mastery of performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: Int. Orchestra, Grades 9-12] Prerequisite: Audition and teacher recommendation.

Lassiter Sinfonia Orchestra

Lassiter Sinfonia Orchestra

The Sinfonia Orchestra is an advanced-level orchestra. This course includes advanced instruction in performance techniques with emphasis placed on technical and musical skills through the study of mainly grade 4-5 string orchestra repertoire. Individual practice outside of class time is necessary for successful mastery of performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: Adv. Orchestra, Grades 9-12] Prerequisite: Audition and teacher recommendation.

Lassiter Chamber Orchestra

Lassiter Chamber Orchestra

The Chamber Orchestra is comprised of students with highest skill level and serves as one of the premiere performing ensembles at Lassiter High School. Students in this course will demonstrate a mastery level of proficiency on violin, viola, cello, or double bass. The students will combine with woodwind, brass, and percussion students to form the LHS Symphony Orchestra. Students should be prepared to complete rigorous performance assessments and spend time outside of class for performances. Individual practice outside of class time is necessary for successful mastery of performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: Mastery Orchestra, Grades 9-12] Prerequisite: Audition and teacher recommendation.

Lassiter Symphony

Lassiter Symphony

The Lassiter Symphony is comprised of Lassiter’s most advanced instrumentalists from the Lassiter Band and Lassiter Orchestra Programs. The Lassiter Symphony has been selected to perform at the Georgia Music Educators Conference (2003, 2006) and the Midwest Clinic (2001). Repertoire performed includes Mozart Symphony No. 25, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Cappricio Espagnol, Chadwick’s Symphonic Sketches, Shostakovich Finale to Symphony No. 5 among others. Each year the Lassiter Symphony presents the “Night at the Movies!” featuring film clips and performing original scores from blockbuster hits.

Lassiter Small Ensembles

Lassiter Small Ensembles

Small ensemble training is part of the curriculum at Lassiter. Performing in chamber groups is highly encouraged.  The Lassiter String Quartet has performed at the Governor’s Mansion, Georgia Republican Convention, and many community events. In addition, Lassiter offers an enrichment class 3 times a week where students rehearse in their small ensembles. As part of an effort to encourage music fellowship, Lassiter formed a chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society in 2004. Tri-M holds bimonthly meetings and performs a recital in the fall and spring as a fundraiser for Playing for Change; a multi-media movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music.  Lassiter Tri-M has raised over $2000 for this cause.