DHS Orchestra
The Next Great Performance Starts Here.
The Decatur High School Orchestra is dedicated to fostering excellence in string education while inspiring a lifelong appreciation for music. Our program is committed to the growth of orchestral performance both within our school and throughout the metro Atlanta community. Students perform multiple concerts each year and participate in the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Large Group Performance Evaluation. In addition to our school ensembles, many of our students pursue advanced musical opportunities through prestigious organizations such as the All-State Full Orchestra and All-State String Orchestra, the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Emory Youth Symphony.
Training Tomorrow's Performers
Our Program
Three Ensembles
The Decatur High School Orchestra program consists of three ensembles: Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra, providing students with opportunities to perform and grow at every level of their musical development. Symphonic and Chamber Orchestra are audition-only ensembles.
Jen Derringer, Orchestra Director
The Decatur High School Orchestra is directed by Jennifer Derringer, who is committed to creating a positive, challenging, and rewarding musical experience for every student.
Ms. Derringer brings 18 years of teaching experience and a passion for inspiring young musicians. She most recently served as Orchestra Director at The Museum School of Avondale Estates and has previously led successful programs at Arabia Mountain High School and Charles R. Drew High School in Clayton County. She received a Star Teacher Award at Arabia in 2019 and was honored as Teacher of the Year at Drew in 2016. Jennifer holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Georgia State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Violin Performance from the University of South Florida.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Derringer is an active professional violinist who founded the string ensemble Piedmont Strings and has performed with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, Rome Symphony and LaGrange Symphony. She has also shared the stage with artists like Gregory Alan Isakov and even performed with Jon Batiste this summer!
