Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
Alpharetta High School is located in Alpharetta, Georgia, a northeast suburb of Atlanta with approximately 65,000 residents and is surrounded by the cities of Roswell, Milton, and Johns Creek. The school consistently receives high marks for academics by the state of Georgia and other organizations. The school population is very diverse with approximately 50% Caucasian, 20% African-American, 18% Asian, 9% Hispanic, and 4% multiracial.
The Alpharetta High School Orchestra program was founded by Mr. Sheldon Fisher when the school first opened its doors in 2004. The program quickly grew in size and scope due to the hard work of Mr. Fisher, an affluent community, the hard-working students, along with a supportive school administration and parent booster organization.
In 2018, the AHS orchestra program has approximately 160 students across four ability-based ensembles: Concert Orchestra (perform mainly grade three literature), Philharmonia (performs mainly grade four literature), Sinfonia (performs mainly grade five literature), and the nationally-recognized Symphony (performs mainly grade six literature). The Symphony combines with members of the AHS Wind Ensemble approximately once per week (from December to May) to form a full symphony orchestra. Placement in each orchestra is based on an audition, previous experience, and the orchestra director’s recommendation.
The orchestras perform three on-campus concerts per year plus the Georgia MEA Large Group Performance Evaluation, at Kennesaw State University’s Orchestra Invitational, and at the annual AHS graduation ceremony. In 2006 and 2012, the top AHS Orchestra performed at the Midwest Clinic. In addition, the orchestras have performed at numerous music festivals including two performances at Carnegie Hall, and as an invited orchestra at the 2008 National ASTA conference.
The curriculum includes instruction in a variety of string techniques, essential musicianship, and the preparation and performance of orchestral literature. In addition, the orchestra requires students to participate in chamber music by preparing a solo and small ensemble throughout the year.
In 2016, Sheldon Fisher retired and passed the baton to current director, Dr. Charles Laux. Dr. Laux has worked to keep long-standing traditions of the past but continues to be forward thinking in order to promote growth in both size and scope for years to come. For the 2018-2019 school year, the AHS Orchestra program will expand further due to increased enrollment -- a small, elite chamber orchestra will be added to the course offerings.
Alpharetta High School Symphony Strings
Conductor's Bio
Dr. Charles Laux is the Director of Orchestras at Alpharetta High School where his duties include directing five levels of orchestra, including the nationally recognized AHS Symphony Orchestra. He also serves as Essential Elements clinician, consultant, and contributor for the Hal Leonard Corporation. Dr. Laux holds degrees in music education from Ohio University, the University of Nevada – Las Vegas, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.
A string educator for over 20 years, Dr. Laux has worked with diverse student populations from elementary school through collegiate level. He served as Assistant Professor of String Music Education at Kennesaw State University from 2012-2016 where he taught string techniques and pedagogy, music education technology integration, supervised student teachers, conducted the KSU Philharmonic and coordinated string outreach activities, including serving as founding director of the KSU String Project. Under his leadership, Kennesaw State University became the largest string education program in Georgia and the KSU String Project grew to serve nearly 110 elementary school students. Previously Dr. Laux directed award-winning school orchestra programs in Nevada, Florida, and Ohio. Under his direction, the Winter Park High School Philharmonic Orchestra was selected to perform at the 60th annual Midwest Clinic.
Endorsed as an artist educator by D’Addario Orchestral and Eastman Stringed Instruments, Dr. Laux has presented over 100 educational sessions for organizations such as the Midwest Clinic, American String Teachers Association, Technology Institute for Music Education, Association for Technology in Music Instruction, and at music conferences spanning 21 states. He regularly presents professional development in-services for school districts across the country and has presented internationally at Colegio Menor San Francisco near Quito, Ecuador. His performing experience includes seasons with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the Nevada Chamber Symphony, the Columbus String Quartet, and a collaborative solo-performance with several members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Laux remains in frequent demand across the nation as an orchestra clinician, conductor, and adjudicator.
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