The Howard County Elementary School Honors Orchestra is a group of young musicians who represent the passion and enthusiasm for creating beautiful music for which Howard County students are known. 

This group comprises two students from every elementary school in Howard County and will meet for four evening rehearsals and one intensive all-day rehearsal, culminating in a performance. 

Through this experience, students will learn to create challenging and high-quality music with students from diverse backgrounds.

The Howard County GT Orchestra and Sinfonia were created to enhance the orchestral experience of our students. Each orchestra is designed to meet the needs of students who exceed the orchestra curriculum at their grade level. 

To be aligned with the purpose of the Gifted and Talented Program, the orchestras have been named GT Sinfonia and GT Orchestra. 

The Sinfonia performs music one to two grade levels above the curricular standard, and the GT Orchestra performs music three or more grade levels above the curricular standard.

The ​Oakland Mills String-a-palooza​ is an event that brings together all the feeder school Strings programs for Oakland Mills HS.  One day each year, Atholton ES Strings students join a giant orchestra, learn pieces with students from other schools, and perform a concert that night.

Solo and Ensemble Festival​ is an annual opportunity in which students can prepare a piece by themselves or with a small group and perform the piece for a judge during the Festival. This event requires additional out ­of­ school practice. Information regarding Solo and Ensemble Festival is typically posted later in the year.

The ​Middle School and High School Orchestra​ programs open up many new opportunities. Atholton ES Strings students are lucky to feed into great Middle School Strings programs where they can continue to advance as musicians and play in larger ensembles that meet more frequently and have more performance opportunities. 

Private lessons​ or tutors are a great way to improve your musician's skills and promote more advanced learning of their instrument. Take a look at the teacher list and try contacting some teachers.