The Hattiesburg Public Schools’ orchestra program is one of only eight string programs in the state of Mississippi. It provides orchestral experience – violin, viola, cello and double bass – for fifth and sixth graders in our six elementary schools, two orchestras at Burger Middle School, and the Chamber and Concert Orchestras for grades 9-12 at Hattiesburg High School. The program continues to grow each year and we now have over 300 students participating district-wide. This popular program is a strong drawing card for our school system and our community. Its impact is educational and cultural as well as economic as it continues to attract families to our area who want this opportunity for their children. It is the only program of its kind in the Hattiesburg area. The two high school orchestras have collected many awards from numerous competitions around the country.

Numerous string graduates from HPSD have gone on to receive music scholarships from prestigious universities and many are training to become string teachers in the future.