After grueling hours of practice and years of experience, junior Kelly Atkinson secured a spot in the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO).

“I was pretty proud when I found out I was accepted. It’s been a cool experience so far,” Atkinson said.

GYSO, the largest youth orchestra in the Southeast, consists of an ensemble of talented high schoolers from several counties across Georgia. The competitive program requires young musicians to audition in front of judges by sight-reading scales and etudes. The accepted students meet every Sunday at the Marietta Performing Arts for a few hours, constantly practicing upper level music for strings, percussion, and brass.

Atkinson, who played the trumpet for seven years, practically has music running in her blood.

“I became interested in playing the trumpet because my family is big in music. Every member plays or has played an instrument,” Atkinson said.

With her meticulous skills and admirable personality, Atkinson receives high praise both inside and outside of the band room.

“Kelly is talented, smart, and good at playing high notes. She’s always in tune, serious about music, and focused,” junior Alex Raimo said.

“Getting into GYSO is a huge achievement. She achieves way past any normal person would,” North Cobb band director Mr. Pannell said.

In the future, Atkinson hopes to major in music education at Florida State University. She desires to pursue a career as a high school band director.

Atkinson offers words of wisdom for her fellow musicians: “Work hard and don’t give up. Keep practicing because it pays off in the end.”