MYO Orchestras

Debut Ensemble One and Two

Meets Saturdays, 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Beginners, K – 5th grade*: Focus is on basic technique and fluency + fun; accomplished through movement, singing, and playing the instruments. Parents are expected to participate in orchestra rehearsals by playing an instrument.

Instructors: Tyler Baker, Nealita Callahan, Genevieve Miedema, James Highbaugh, Jordan Nelson, and Eric Lakanen

Dolce Primo One and Two

Meets Saturdays, 10:30 am – 11:30 am

1-3 years of MYO experience, 3rd – 8th grade*: Focus is on refining basic technique, learning note reading, and learning to follow a conductor. Parents are expected to participate in orchestra rehearsals.

Instructors: Tyler Baker and James Highbaugh

Dolce Secundo

Meets Saturdays, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

4+ years of MYO experience, 4th grade and up*: Focus is on extending note-reading to new keys, and ensemble technique. Parents are expected to participate in orchestra rehearsals.

Instructor: Aren Bucci

Orchestra C

Meets Saturdays, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

4+ years of MYO experience, middle school age*: Focus is honing ensemble technique and etiquette and intermediate bowings. Students are introduced to seating auditions and learn about the roles of a principal player as well as each section in the orchestra.

Conductor: Genevieve Miedema

Orchestra B

Meets Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Audition for placement, 9th and 10th grades*

Conductor: Shannon Crow

Orchestra A

Meets Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Audition for placement, 11th and 12th grades*

Conductor: Jordan Nelson

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Some students seek additional rehearsal and performance opportunities. For those students, we offer a chamber ensemble that rehearses once per week and performs at community events representing the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra. Participants are expected to demonstrate a higher level of professionalism and responsibility in preparation for these events. This ensemble is open to Orchestra A, B, and C students who are in 8th grade and up. Members of Chamber Ensemble receive iPads and are required to pay a $50 technology fee.

*Any references to ability level and age are general guidelines only. Orchestra assignments are made by our faculty and staff based on a variety of factors.

PARENT AND ALUMNI ENSEMBLE

Meets Sundays, twice a month

This is an orchestra for parents seeking an extra challenge and alumni wanting to remain part of the MYO community. Sign up details are provided at family orientation or by reaching out to the organization.