The Thomas County School System is pleased to announce the introduction of a string orchestra program for the 2019-2020 school year serving students in grades 4 -12.

Dr. Boyan Bonev has joined the faculty of Thomas County Schools and will lead the formation of the string orchestra program with classes held during both the school day and after school.

Bonev holds a Doctor of Music degree in String Performance from Florida State University, a Master of Music Degree in String Performance from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance and Chamber Music from the National Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Bonev has taught at the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College, Albany State University, and Leon High School.  He also directs the South Georgia Ballet Orchestra and the Seaside Chamber Players. He has served as the featured conductor for both the South Georgia Ballet Orchestra and the University of West Florida Orchestra.

Bonev said, “I am very excited to join the Yellow Jacket family and start the string orchestra program in Thomas County Schools. I look forward to building the orchestra program in Thomas County and can't wait to see where the musical journey will take us!"

Thomas County students in grades 5 -12 will have the choice of taking a strings class under Bonev’s direction during the school day each day or as an afternoon class one day each week.  Students in grade 4 at Cross Creek Elementary School will be able to take a class each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 3:15 – 4:15 in the music room at the school.

Thomas County Middle School and Thomas County Central High School students may register for a strings class as an elective during the school day or may take an afternoon class to be taught each Wednesday afternoon in the strings classroom at Thomas County Middle School, 3:15 – 4:15.

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Williams stated, “We are building on our already very strong fine arts program as we advance our vision of establishing a fine arts academy within the Thomas County School System that will be second to none in Georgia, and we are excited that the addition of a string orchestra program moves us closer to realizing that vision.”

Parents who would like to sign their child up for the strings program should contact their child’s school: Cross Creek Elementary School, 225-3900; Thomas County Middle School, 225-4394; or Thomas County Central High School, 225-5050.