The Dodgen Middle School Chamber Orchestra has been selected to perform at the 2025 Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, an event that draws over 18,000 participants from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. The performance will take place in Chicago during December’s holiday break.
Dodgen Orchestra Director Ashley Culley described the invitation as a significant achievement. “An invitation to perform at the Midwest Clinic is the highest honor any orchestra or band can receive in the nation. It is the equivalent of winning the Super Bowl,” said Culley. “We applied by audition with a recording and a video. A panel of judges chose us from hundreds of applicants based on our performance.”
The Midwest Clinic provides workshops, exhibits, and concerts for educators and students, serving as an opportunity for networking and musical development.
This year, Dodgen’s Chamber Orchestra is one of only two middle school orchestras nationwide invited to perform at the clinic, and it is the sole ensemble—band or orchestra—from Georgia selected for this distinction. The group consists of students from grades six through eight.
Dodgen Principal Dr. Patricia Alford praised both directors and students for their accomplishment: “Directors Ashley Culley and Evelyn Champion have led their orchestra programs for many years and have earned many performance honors and accolades, but this is a dream come true for these directors and their students,” said Alford. “Performing at The Midwest Clinic is a rare privilege, and I am so proud of these teachers and their students! I know they will represent Dodgen and Cobb very well.”
Preparation began with an orchestra minicamp in July to help students become familiar with each other and their music selections. Their program includes various styles with different levels of difficulty. Rehearsals are held four mornings each week before school, along with additional sessions after school.
“They are very excited about their performance in Chicago. They talk about it every day in class. They know what a tremendous honor it is to be selected to perform at the Midwest Clinic. We hope they learn that perseverance and hard work really do pay off,” said Director Culley.
Culley also expressed gratitude: “We are sincerely grateful to all of the families that continually support their young musicians throughout this journey to the Midwest Clinic. We would also like to thank Principal Alford and the Dodgen administration and faculty. We couldn’t accomplish this without the full support of the entire Dodgen community,” she concluded.
A preview concert will be held on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 pm in Walton High School Theater; attendance is open to all.
