Lettering Form

Letter Requirements

The Hillgrove Orchestra Letter is a prestigious award that recognizes students’ outstanding dedication and commitment to the HGHS Orchestra program. All members of the Hillgrove Orchestra program are eligible to earn a Hillgrove Orchestra Letter or subsequent gold service bars. To earn an Orchestra Letter, students must fulfill the following criteria within one full school year or two consecutive semesters:

• Participate fully in orchestra for one full academic year or two consecutive semesters.

• Have no unexcused absences from any scheduled rehearsals or performances for the entire year (see attendance policy).

• Have no disciplinary action resulting in any kind of school suspension (i.e., ISS or OSS).

• Be current with your orchestra fees.

• Earn 100 Artistry Points during the current academic year from the following:

  • General Points - Must include at least two items from this list (70 points max):  

    • 10 point – Perform in all required HO Orchestra concerts (i.e., Fall, Winter, Pre-LGPE, LGPE, and Spring)

    • 5 points – Attend a Professional Quality Concert (Atlanta Symphony, Opera, Ballet, etc.) and turn in the program or ticket. Concerts must be approved by Dr. Dakon and documentation is required. (10 points max)

    • 5 points – Attend other High School or Middle School concert (Hillgrove Band, Chorus, Theater, Middle School Concerts, etc.) and submit the program or ticket. Documentation required (20 points max).

    • 5 points – Attend and assist (when necessary) with Booster Club functions. This includes any meetings, fund-raisers, etc. (15 points max)

    • 15 points – Become a member of TRI-M Honor Society and complete your service hours. 

  • Specialty Points - Must include at least one item from this list: 

    • 30 points – Study privately for at least one semester. Documentation from your parents and private teacher is required for these points.

    • 5 points – Audition for any honors orchestra (e.g., District Honors Orchestra, Georgia All-State Orchestra) or youth orchestra (e.g., Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Georgia Youth Symphony or Metropolitan Youth Symphony). (20 points max). 

    • 10 points – Participate in any honors orchestra 

    • 15 points – Participate in any youth orchestra (15 points max)

    • 10 points – Participate in the school musical (pit, cast, or crew), jazz band, choral ensemble, marching band, winter guard (10 points max)

    • 10 points – Participate in cello choir or some other orchestra club/organization for the entire academic year (10 points max)

    • 10 points – Participate in at least one concert with a semi-professional community orchestra. Documentation required (20 points max) 

    • 15 points – Service as an officer on the HO Student Executive Board (Pres., VP, Sec., Member-at-Large) or in a service role (librarian or stage crew) for two semesters 

    • 5 points – Serve as the concertmaster or section leader for a concert (10 points max) 

    • 5 points – Assist with a HO recruiting event at an elementary or middle school music program (10 points max)

    • 5 points – Serve as a HO music ambassador in your community. Director approval required. (20 points max) 

    • 20 points – Plan and implement a director-approved special project in one or more areas, such as composition, pedagogy, musicology, performance, or technology (20 points max)

Students are responsible for keeping track of their Artistry Credit Points. Dr. Dakon will monitor concert attendance and discipline.  Points must be turned in by May 1st to receive an orchestra letter.