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Youth Orchestra
Ensembles
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For more information, contact the Sarasota Orchestra Education Department at (941) 487-2731.
The Sarasota Orchestra Youth Program consists of five orchestras, affording students the opportunity to participate in an ensemble comparable to their skill level. Students audition each year for a position in one of these orchestras. Each ensemble rehearses weekly, from September to mid-April in the Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center at 709 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.
Policy Regarding School Music Programs
Participation in the Sarasota Youth Orchestra Program is designed to enhance, not replace school music instruction. School music programs provide the essential daily ensemble and rehearsal instruction required for serious musical progress. Students who enroll in the Youth Orchestra are required to participate in their school orchestra or band, if one exists. The Sarasota Orchestra believes that school music programs are vital to the development of young musicians – educationally, artistically and socially. By participating in school music programs, young musicians can serve as role models, receive leadership training and share their talents with others. School programs also provide other important opportunities such as access to All-State Band/Orchestras, Solo and Ensemble Assesments and performing in productions.
For more information or questions, contact the
Sarasota Orchestra Education Department at (941) 487-2731.
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Youth Philharmonic
Conducted by Dirk Meyer, Associate Conductors Nathan Frantz and Mark Spreen
All string, wind, brass and percussion players have solid technical and musical proficiency on their instruments. Learning how to play the instrument is now secondary to exploring the musical mastery of the great classical composers. Most students take private lessons.
Rehearses Mondays 5:00-7:30 pm
Youth Symphony
Conducted by Robyn Wilkes, Associate Conductors Sherry Lowe and Mark Spreen
All string players exhibit solid technique - including vibrato, shifting, and a variety of bowing styles. Nuances of musicality are the focus of this ensemble. Students perform arrangements and original compositions. Wind and Brass players explore symphonic repertoire and develop the technique that accompanies this style of playing.
Rehearses Mondays 5:15-7:45 pm
Symphonic Strings
Conducted by Susan Heinz
Expanding on the foundation of Chamber Strings, this ensemble continues to build musicality and refi ne playing. Most students play all major and minor scales. Shifting is explored more fully in this ensemble.
Rehearses Saturdays 9-11:30 am
Chamber Strings
Conducted by Victor Fernandez
Because students have good understanding of musical concepts and are able to put them together in an ensemble, this class emphasizes strong basic technical skills including left hand position and varied bowing techniques.
Rehearses Saturdays 9-11:30 am
Prelude Strings
Conducted by Cynthia Wiley
Building on note-reading skills and basic techniques, this class expands ensemble skills, listening and musical concepts. Previous instruction on the instrument required.
Rehearses Saturdays 9-11:30 am
