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The Wando High School Orchestra is comprised of the Concert Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra. The Concert Orchestra is designed for students who have participated in orchestra for at least 3 years. The Chamber Orchestra is designed for advanced students and membership is by audition only.

Derek Deakins is Director of Orchestras at Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant, SC. A fiddler, violinist, and conductor from Kingsport, Tennessee, Mr. Deakins graduated from Belmont University where he received a Bachelor's of Music in Music Education. Since graduating from Belmont University, Mr. Deakins has performed for major recording artists such as The Osborne Brothers, Craig Morgan, Tracy Byrd, Andy Griggs, Neil McCoy, and Blake Shelton. His television appearances include Grand Ole Opry Live, Good Morning America, The CBS Early Show, The Jimmy Kimmell Show, and Late Night with Craig Ferguson. "If I Could Give the World," "The Fiddle,Bluegrass, and Me," and "Double Fiddle Time" are just a few of his professional recordings. He resides in Mt. Pleasant with his wife, Lisa, who also teaches strings in Charleston County.