Marietta-based Georgia Symphony Orchestra distributed the following announcement:

The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) is pleased to announce an expanded artistic leadership team for the 2026–2027 season, bringing together an exceptional group of conductors and educators dedicated to providing outstanding musical instruction and performance opportunities for young musicians throughout metro Atlanta.

Leading the changes is Dr. Nathaniel F. Parker, who will transition from his dual role as GYSO Symphony conductor and artistic & executive Director into a dedicated leadership role as Dr. Bobbie Bailey Artistic & Executive Director of GYSO. This change will allow Parker to devote his GYSO responsibilities entirely to providing artistic vision, strengthening educational programming, supporting staff, expanding student recruitment, and guiding the continued growth of one of the Southeast’s leading youth orchestra programs.

Joining the artistic team is Dr. Kathryn Encisco, who has been appointed director of GYSO Camerata. A former GYSO student, Encisco returns to the program after building an accomplished career as a conductor and music educator, bringing her experience and passion for student development to the next generation of young musicians.

Additional leadership appointments include Dr. David Doke, who will become conductor of the GYSO Symphony, and Dr. Will Whitehead, who will assume leadership of the GYSO Philharmonic. Together, these appointments create a clear artistic pathway for students as they progress through GYSO’s orchestral program.

The expanded artistic team joins a distinguished faculty that includes returning instructors Sam Skelton, Dr. Vera Ilyushina, Whitney Tinley, and Veronica Del Castillo, along with an accomplished roster of sectional coaches and teaching artists. Several members of the artistic staff also serve on the music faculty of the Kennesaw State University Bailey School of Music, giving GYSO students the opportunity to learn from respected collegiate educators and professional performers while preparing for their own musical futures.

“I’m incredibly excited about the artistic team we’ll have guiding our students this season,” said Parker. “Each member of our faculty brings not only exceptional musical credentials, but also a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring young musicians. Together with our returning faculty, we’ve assembled one of the strongest educational teams in our history. From students taking their first steps in orchestral music to those preparing for collegiate and professional opportunities, GYSO offers outstanding instruction, inspiring mentorship, and a clear pathway for musical growth.”

Founded in 2006, the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras has grown into one of the Southeast’s premier youth orchestra programs, serving hundreds of students from across metro Atlanta through five orchestras, a jazz ensemble, chamber music, and specialized instrumental programs. As the education division of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, GYSO is committed to developing confident, well-rounded musicians through exceptional instruction, challenging performance opportunities, and meaningful artistic experiences.

The program’s commitment to excellence is further strengthened through its longstanding partnership with the KSU Bailey School of Music, providing students with access to university faculty, collaborative educational opportunities, and mentorship that helps prepare many graduates for collegiate music study and beyond.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of GYSO,” Parker added. “Whether a student dreams of a professional music career or simply wants to experience the joy of making music with others, they’ll find a welcoming community, exceptional teachers, and opportunities that will challenge and inspire them.”

There is still time for students to join GYSO for the 2026–2027 season. Audition registration is open through August 5, with live auditions taking place August 8. Open seats remain available at every ensemble level, offering opportunities for musicians of all ages and experience levels.

For audition requirements and registration information, visit gyso.org/auditions.

Georgia Tech LB Kyle Efford was in Charlotte today representing the Yellow Jackets and talked to the media on Thursday at ACC Media Days. Here is what he had to say. 

On being more of a vocal leader… 

“Oh, man, it’s changed a lot. I’m at that point now where I’m in my redshirt senior year, man, my fifth year. I have no other option but to be a vocal leader and to lead my team by example, but also, if I need to speak up, I’ll speak up.” 

On benefiting from Jason Semore as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach… 

“Yes, sir. So Coach Semore is not only the best coordinator in the country, but he’s the best linebackers coach in the country. And his defense is made for linebackers to run the show, be the quarterbacks, get us in and out of defenses. And that’s what I’m willing to go for the defense, for the best of the team.

Coach Semore, he definitely has enigmatic defenses. His major thing is offenses are not the same from the 1990s. Why are the defenses the same? That’s his major point. I can see how it’s going to be great.” 

On the consistency of his game… 

“Man, just effort to the football. It ain’t nothing but seeing the ball and running the ball every single play.I mean, it’s one thing when you know what you’re doing, but it’s another thing when you empty the tank on every single play. And that’s all I’ve been doing, and the results show.”

On how to improve the run defense… 

“Oh, man, across the board, from the first level, second level, third level. There’s always places to develop. I mean, I feel like from our big guys getting vertical, cutting the ball off, to taking double-teams, to the backers, you know, filling gaps, going sideline to sideline all the way to the back and communicating and getting down. There’s room for development everywhere. There’s not one specific area. But I feel like we need to develop across the board.” 

On how his brother playing soccer allows him to think differently… 

“Yeah, I mean, my brother taught me what it takes to be a pro. I mean, growing up from as far as I can remember, he showed me my work ethic. I was probably in second, third grade, and he was getting me up 5:00 in the morning to go outside and work out with him.I mean, he and my father essentially made me who I am, showed me what it takes to play at a high level.” 

On rivalry vs Georgia… 

“We Georgia Tech men, it doesn’t matter to us. Bobby Dodd, in between the hedges, Piedmont Park. It don’t matter. We’re a group of guys wired like that. We don’t like to (indiscernible) on the road. We want to get them boys, and I’m sure we will.” 

CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. — Animal shelters in Northwest Georgia are running out of space, with Catoosa and Walker County unable to take in more animals as the number of strays rises during the summer months.

Catoosa County officials say the county’s animal shelter is maxed out and can no longer accept animals.

The shelter has room for 80 pets but is currently over capacity, limiting how much it can help when large animal rescues happen in nearby areas.

“I can’t speak for everybody, but I can say that working in animal care, summertime is definitely one of the worst times for us and for the animals more,” Abby Lynch, the community outreach and kennel officer for the Catoosa County Animal Shelter says.

Catoosa County officials say summer is when dogs and cats breed because the weather is nice, leading to more strays than usual.

Image via Catoosa County Animal Control

The Walker County Animal Shelter is also dealing with capacity issues.

The shelter says it has brought in 73 animals since the beginning of July.

Image: Walker County Animal Shelter

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“In that same time, we have done 28 adoptions, which 28 adoptions in two weeks sounds great. But when you’re doing the math of 73 animals in and 28 animals going out, not super great,” says Melissa Smith, director of the Walker County Animal Shelter.

Catoosa County has helped neighboring counties during past crises.

Image via Catoosa County Animal Control

“We’ve assisted Dade County in the past with similar situations, and that’s when really rescues and shelters help each other,” says Dylan McColollum, director of Catoosa County Animal Control.

Dade County only got an animal shelter this year.

Image: Walker County Animal Shelter

In Georgia, only 61 out of 159 counties have animal shelters, making it more important for shelters to have enough capacity to help their own communities and assist neighboring counties when needed.

“We’re just grateful that we have our own shelter and can take care of our our county and its needs, and we’re happy to assist if other counties need our assistance,” McColollum says.

Image: Walker County Animal Shelter

Adoptions at the Catoosa County Animal Shelter are currently free because of donors. See available animals here.